A peek at the Peeps contest's winning entries

Nearly 450 entries flooded the annual Seattle Times Peeps contest.

Entrants were as creative as ever, casting the fluorescent-colored confection as everybody from Justin Bieber to "Black Swan." There were many newsworthy entries, like one inspired by the Royal Wedding, as well as submissions based on local happenings like the Fremont Zombie Walk and the passing of Dave Niehaus.

Seattle Times judges selected the grand prize, first-place awards and the runners-up. Readers voted for their favorites online to select two Peeple's Choice Awards from a group of semifinalists.

"We've entered every year," said Jennifer Hamilton, grand-prize winner in the adult category. "It's always fun to see what everybody does."

Like many entrants, Hamilton worked with her kids, Lux, 7, and Johnny Rattray, 3, and a friend, Catherine Stringer. Basing their entry on the Fremont Zombie Walk, they created Peeps after real characters from the event, taking a full weekend working with Fimo modeling clay and pins. It was also a bonding experience for Geri Ann Henling and her six children — ages 9 to 15 — who worked on their Harry Potter-inspired piece together. Although their entry didn't fit squarely in the adult or children's category, the judges acknowledged their effort with a family honorable mention.

"The process ... took the kids two hours, with Shelly, our second-oldest daughter, having final approval on the character and how it looked," Henling said.

Brothers Tommy and Matt Roske, runners-up in the children's category, also worked together on their entry, inspired by Honey Bucket portable restrooms. Tommy, 12, took over the creative logistics while Matt, 10, worked on construction.

"They usually work pretty well together," said mom Mary Grace Roske, of Seattle. "They share a room, so they kind of have to."

At the Larsen household, each child made his or her own entry. Amy, 12, created a Robin Hood-inspired piece after her love of archery, and Dean, 10, made a space-inspired submission based on a Discovery Channel television series. Dean won first place in the children's category. Amy was a runner-up in that category.

Annabelle Kisky received both grand prize and Peeple's Choice in the children's category. She was inspired by her favorite show because, well, "Doesn't everyone love 'Sesame Street'?" Besides using Peeps, she molded with marshmallow fondant. She created Oscar's trash can from an ice-cream cone and Photoshopped the street sign.

"I love playing with my food," said the 6-year-old.

Grand prize, first place and Peeple's Choice winners received gift certificates from Bartell Drugs. The breakdown for the adult category was: grand prize, $500; first place, $200; and Peeple's Choice, $50. For the children's category: grand prize, $200; first place, $100; and Peeple's Choice, $50.

Marian Liu: 206-464-3825 or mliu@seattletimes.com