The makers of Peeps treats said this year's festival celebrating the candy in Pennsylvania will feature a giant marshmallow chick dropped to mark the New Year.

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Brian Bachrach, the Just Born company's senior brand manager for Peeps, said the second annual Peeps Fest in Bethlehem, scheduled for Dec. 29-31, will include live music, arts and crafts and contests such as a Peeps diorama competition and a dessert competition.

The festival, which is put on by Just Born and the non-profit arts organization ArtsQuest, will close with the dropping of an 85-pound, 4 1/2-foot-tall Peeps Chick to mark the start of the new year at midnight New Year's Eve.

"Peeps Fest was so popular in 2009 that we added a third day of programming this year," Bachrach said. "In addition, visitors will enjoy even more performers and activities. Just Born and ArtsQuest are committed to presenting quality activities and events that appeal to both children and adults, and what better time for family fun than between Christmas and New Year's Day. Once again, we're inviting everyone to join us at the festival's end for the free fireworks display and Peeps Chick drop to celebrate the arrival of the New Year."