FAIRFIELD – JC Huffman Cabinetry in Fairfield has turned its showroom into “PEEP-a-Palooza,” an Easter-themed event every Friday and Saturday for the next three weeks.

This is the second year in a row that JC Huffman Cabinetry has hosted an Easter-themed event, and just like last year, this year’s is all about the marshmallow treat, Peeps. The business invites the public to have their picture taken with Peter Rabbit under the cherry blossom tree, as well as other picturesque backdrops that were designed and built right there in the store.

“Our event promises an array of Peep-inspired fun that will delight both the young and the young at heart,” the business stated in a promotional flyer.

JC Huffman will sell plush Peeps at its Peep coop, next to the Peep store where guests can purchase all manner of Peep-themed items such as scented ink pens, tumblers, earrings and more. The store has a cotton candy dispenser where it will offer 12 different flavors. Don’t forget to check out its unique “Peep-er-ria,” where pizza meets Peeps (with pizzas courtesy of Pizza Hut), and wash it down with a Lemonade Shake-up.

The Peep-A-Palooza is being held every Fridy and Saturday from 5:30-8 p.m. starting this Friday, March 8, and going through Saturday, March 23, so residents will have six chances to experience this family-friendly event.

Jim and Teresa Huffman own JC Huffman Cabinetry, and the two of them got the idea to start this Easter-themed event last year. The event ran two weekends last year, but the couple decided to expand it to three weekends in 2024 because so many people came.

“Last year, our theme was the Peeps bunny, and this year it’s the Peeps chick,” Teresa said. “I love Peeps, and everybody relates Easter to that sugary Peep treat.”

In addition to the photo opportunities, toys and food, JC Huffman is also hosting a Peep-themed diorama contest. Participants must choose from one of three themes, Peeps at the Movies, Peeps throughout History, and Peeps at Play. The diorama must fit within an 18-inch by 18-inch space made primarily of Peeps.

“This is your opportunity to transform these marshmallow delights into a masterpiece and potentially see your creation featured on our website and social media,” the business stated.

Dioramas must be dropped off at JC Huffman Cabinetry, located at 3100 W. Burlington Ave., by Thursday, March 7. The dioramas will be on display throughout the Peep-A-Palooza, and visitors will be given a chance to vote for their favorite. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 25, and prizes include $100 worth of groceries from Hy-Vee, Walmart gift cards, Easter baskets and more.

“We were looking for something fun to do until we can all get outside,” Teresa said about the diorama contest. “You can build pretty much whatever comes to mind, and we have some examples [in the store].”

Those interested in entering the competition can visit JC Huffman Cabinetry now to see four diorama examples, which depict Peeps camping, contending with dinosaurs in “Jurassic Peep,” Peeps in an art class, and a leaning tower of Peeps.

The Huffmans are just a couple of months removed from hosting their Whoville-themed events throughout December, which attracted 7,000 visitors. Teresa said that event was voted the No. 1 Christmas event to visit in Iowa.

“We had people from every state that borders Iowa – people from Lincoln, Nebraska, people from Minnesota,” Teresa said. “It was just crazy.”

Just like with its Whoville events, Jim, Teresa and others at the shop put countless hours into building the sets and backdrops for the Peep-A-Palooza. That includes building a full-blown chicken coop, Peeps hanging from the ceiling, the Peep-er-ria stand, the cotton candy backdrop, Peter Rabbit’s cherry blossom tree, and more.