In a not-so mallow-dramatic display of democracy — the town of Wareham showed up to the polls… sort of. 

The annual Peep diorama competition came to a close Wednesday, April 16 at the Wareham Free Library. Children, adults and town department members crafted displays featuring the marshmallow treats in various circumstances. 

From the moon to the Wareham Gatemen’s field, this year saw a record number of voters and participants. Library Director Patrick Marshall said the competition becomes bigger and better every year. 

"It's been really impressive to see the turnout," he said. 

Marshall highlighted the positive response the library has gotten from the community and town administration. He said the town departments have a rivalry stemming from the competition. 

"You see the town in a different light — we have a lot of fun," he said. "I've also been appreciative of the Town Clerk's office taking part in the official count."

Town Clerk Lisa Johnson helped tally the votes for the second year in a row and despite being bribed with coffee — she followed election rules. Late voters were barred from slipping ballots into the boxes, altered slips were not counted, and secret measures were taken to facilitate a fair peep-lection after a cheating scandal in 2024. 

Johnson entered the competition for the first time this year and cheered every time her display got a vote. Although she didn't help with any crafting — only monetarily assisting the Town Clerk office display — she said she was happy to get out of the office. 

"I think it's wonderful," she said. "Most of the time work is just boring and we're out here having fun."

The winners for group display went to the Wareham Gatemen, the kids winner went to Dominic Philie for his zombie display and the adult winner was Jennifer Cogswell for her display of Besse Park. This year saw an honorable mention for the kids category going to Kali Atone for her enthusiasm to participate. 

Phaedre Alvin won the popular vote with a diorama featuring a chicken laying Peeps and was awarded the 2025 PEEP'les Choice Award. 

The Town Administration Peepstar Award was a close race. Planning and Community Development won against the reigning champions in the Town Treasurer's office. 

Land Use Coordinator Joshua Faherty accepted the award before showing it off  to the losing offices within Memorial Town Hall. He gave thanks to Library Director Patrick Marshall for hosting the contest.

"It is with great pleasure that we accept the award of top voted municipal Peep Diorama," Faherty said. "To all of our competitors we saw many great displays, and the Planning Department looks forward to taking home the prize again next year."