Written By Lisa Breslin
Before the last Friday in April, Martin O’Malley had obviously led a sheltered life. But that is all over. On that day, Maryland’s governor went to his first Peep Show.
“My mother told me to stay away from those things, but I always wondered what all the hoopla was about,” he said to a crowd of people as he walked through Carroll County Arts Council’s Second Annual Peep Show.
The Arts Center’s Peep Show inspired 148 contributors to place the sugary marshmallow treats in settings ranging from the bizarre to the beautiful. Even before Governor O’Malley’s visit, more than 4,300 people had attended the free exhibit since it opened on April 17.
The local arts center was the last stop on the governor’s and his cabinet members’ meet-and-greet walk up Westminster’s Main Street before more formal meetings at McDaniel College. The April 24 visit marked one of many planned visits throughout the state for a program referred to as “Capital for a Day.”
Governor O’Malley took time to accept a Peep-adorned key to the city from the Arts Council’s executive director, Sandy Oxx. He posed for photos and paused to look at Peep scenes with titles like Peep on a Hot Tin Roof, Peep Bob Square Pants, Peeps Porridge Hot and Palm Peeps.
“I can see why you all are proud of this show and this place,” O’Malley said, and pulling several dollars out of his wallet, he cast votes for “Peeples Court,” created by Sykesville resident Dana Dembrow. “Knowing his tight schedule, we were so honored that Governor O’Malley stopped by,” said Oxx.
