BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Thousands came to Peepsfest 2023 to ring in the new year early Sunday evening.
The Wood family traveled from Chester, New Jersey — about an hour's ride away — to take in the festivities for the second-straight year.
"It's good for the kids," said dad Bill Wood, who was accompanied by wife Veronica and their sons Kenny, 14, Charlie, 12, and Liam, 12. "You have to enjoy it while the kids are still young."
The Woods had a prime spot on the SteelStacks campus, seated at a table outside the ArtsQuest Center and not far from the giant, illuminated 400-pound Peeps chick suspended by a crane.
Sunday was the second day of Peepsfest, which was sold out both days. ArtsQuest spokeswoman Jennifer LoConte said a total of 6,000 tickets were purchased over the two days.
The family-friendly, early New Year's Eve celebration started at SteelStacks at the end of 2009. It's put on in cooperation with Just Born Quality Confections, the Bethlehem candy-maker that produces the marshmallow treats as well as Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Goldenberg's Peanut Chews.
Veronica Wood said the family discovered Peepsfest last year after hearing about it from friends who were familiar with the SteelStacks campus.
"They told us to try it and that it would be a lot of fun," she said. "They were right."
"It's good for the kids. You have to enjoy it while the kids are still young."Bill Wood, of Chester, N.J.
Other New Year's Eve celebrations in the Lehigh Valley included a Sunday afternoon celebration at The Crayola Experience in Downtown Easton.
In Allentown, revelers were gearing up for a public party at Seventh and Hamilton streets where for a second year a giant Lehigh Valley Phantoms puck would be dropped outside the PPL Center — home to the Phantoms.
Organized by the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance, that was set to begin at 9 p.m. and include a midnight countdown and fireworks.
