DALLAS - As Spring blooms, Easter is just around the corner and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is ushering in the new season with its latest Patriot Family contest.

The "Patriot Family Peeps Diorama" contest gives military shoppers the opportunity to show their creative side and craft a patriotic scene using Peeps candy. Entrants must use a shoebox or comparable item of reasonable size to create a patriotic play, scene or event that inspires emotion. The winner will receive a $1,000 Exchange gift card.

"We can't wait to see how creative military families can get with their marshmallow masterpieces," said the Exchange's Chief of Staff Col. Tom Ockenfels. "If the entries are anywhere as imaginative as those from last year, we'll definitely have a tough time judging this contest."

Entries will be accepted through April 8. Judging will be based on originality, innovation, and the entrant's ability to portray each scene in a respectable manner. Complete entry rules and regulations can be found at http://www.shopmyexchange.com/Community/patriotfamily/contests.htm.