A Sugar High in Lehigh Valley: Celebrating 100 Years of PEEPS

Whether arriving in gourmet flavors or coated in neon-colored sugar, there’s something about the squishy sugariness of a marshmallow that brings out the child in all of us. In Bethlehem this year, there’s even more to be nostalgic about: Just Born Quality Confections—beloved creator of longstanding candy favorites PEEPS, Mike and Ike’s, and Hot Tamales—is celebrating its 100th year of sharing sweetness. Operating out of Lehigh county’s Bethlehem for 91 of those 100 years, Just Born is as much about its iconic confections as it is about the history of Lehigh Valley and all the goodness it has to offer.

If you’re in Lehigh Valley learning about the history of steel or admiring some of the Moravian architecture, you may also take in a surprise visit from representatives from Just Born. To celebrate its centenary, in true pay-it-forward style Just Born has undertaken a campaign called “100 Random Acts of Sweetness,” which involves surprise drop-ins at local Pennsylvania hotspots to spread the love in the form of free candy and gift cards. And to ring in the New Year, the 15th annual PEEPSFEST will take place on December 30th–31st at Bethlehem’s Steelstacks campus, where the famous PEEPS “Chick Drop” caps off a range of festivities. In addition to live music and entertainment, PEEPS flavors samplings, a fun run, fireworks, and all kinds of photo opportunities, this year for the first time an ice rink will be open for a fun and festive way to counteract all the candy you’ll be sampling.

For those looking to usher in the New Year with a celebration of old favorites, check out the PEEPSFEST itinerary and purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your spaces.