Lucy and Ethel Peep Style - Update!

Earlier this month, I posted about Susan Sessions' winning "I Love Peeps" entry in The Ann Arbor News' Marshmallow Peeps® Diorama Contest. At the time, I couldn't find a photo of Ms. Sessions' entry. Here is one!

"I Love Peeps" by Susan Sessions

View a slide show of all the winning entries! Note: The slide show contains music so turn your speakers down if Mr. Mooney is around.

Congratulations to Susan Sessions on a fantastic job!

Related Blog Entries:
Lucy and Ethel Peep Style (April 5, 2007)

Photo courtesy of The Ann Arbor News.

Mattel Releasing Lucy & Ethel Two-Doll Boxed Set!

Back in January I reported that Mattel would be releasing a special two-doll "I Love Lucy" boxed set. At that time, Mattel wasn't releasing the details about which duo (Lucy and Ricky, Ethel & Fred, etc.,) would be turned into collectible Barbies. The time has finally come to reveal part of the mystery!

Lucy Ricardo & Ethel Mertz will be the dolls in Mattel's "I Love Lucy" Limited Edition Two-Doll Boxed Set!



This information was revealed in The Lucy-Desi Center Gift Shop's Spring 2007 Merchandise Guide. The guide states (image above):

It's double the fun with this new "I Love Lucy" two-doll box set-featuring Lucy and Ethel in one of their most outlandish misadventures. The episode theme of this set is still top secret, but we're taking pre-orders now to guarantee you'll be one of the first to receive this limited edition when it is released.

Your credit card will not be charged until your order is shipped to you. Orders for this special doll set will be shipped in the order they are received. Quantity will be limited, so don't delay! Pre-order yours today.

No release date for the dolls was given. To preorder the "Lucy & Ethel Two-Doll Boxed Set" (#2340) for $89.95 (plus shipping and handling) call toll-free 1-877-582-9326. As of this writing, the dolls are not available for preorder from the gift shop online yet.

The Long Live Lucy Blog was the first Lucille Ball Blog to feature a photo of Mattel's 2007 "I Love Lucy" Barbie Collector Doll based on "The Audition." A photo of this new set will be posted as soon as possible.

Lucy and Ethel Peep Style

Susan Sessions created an "I Love Lucy"-inspired diorama for a Marshmallow Peeps® Diorama Contest in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sessions' diorama, "I Love Peeps," was the winner in the adult division. Amy Whitesall of The Ann Arbor News wrote:

"I love Lucy and I love Peeps,'' said Sessions, a technical writer from Saline who's between jobs. "Everyone seemed to know the episode with the chocolate factory. It seems to be a universal thing.''

Sessions said she went through four boxes of Peeps, searching for marshmallow chicks with just the right eye alignment and facial expression.

"There were some that looked like the product of first cousins marrying,'' Sessions said.

She made the hats first, convinced that the headwear would make or break the diorama's success. When she put the hats on the Peeps, Sessions says, she just started laughing.

"I have to tell you, it is pretty difficult to dress up a Peep,'' Sessions said. "They have no shape. They're like a blob.''

Read more about the contest. Unfortunately, there aren't any photos. :(

Related Links:
Poll: Do you like Marshmallow Peeps? (members only)
The Official Marshmallow Peeps® Website
Peep Research

Lucy-Desi Days Mystery Guest Revealed!

The Lucy-Desi Center has revealed that Vivian Vance's sister will be the very special guest for Vance's tribute during Lucy-Desi Days 2007. Here's the scoop:

Later, you can come aboard the Summerwind for a special Vivian Vance Treasure Chest Boat Cruise hosted by Vivian Vance’s sister—flying in direct from Albuquerque for the weekend! (Yes, Vivian Vance’s sister! This once-in-a lifetime opportunity makes the trip to Jamestown a “must” this year!)

A special Saturday morning tribute: “We Remember Viv!” will include live performance, a video tribute, candid conversation, and a family album slide show, too! Hosted by Tom Watson, president of the “We Love Lucy” Fan Club, this event is all about our favorite second banana!

3 of the 40 events taking place during the festival will be devoted to Vance and "Lucy Meets The President" will be shown. Festival tickets will be sold through the Lucy-Desi Center's official website (www.lucy-desi.com) later this week.

Related Blog Entries:
Lucy Desi Center Plans Vance Tribute
Ball and Vance Named "Ageless Beauties"

Lucy-Desi Center Plans Vance Tribute

The Lucy-Desi Center has announced plans to honor actress Vivian Vance (1909-1979) with a tribute at Lucy-Desi Days 2007. The center isn't releasing all the details yet, but they stated that there will be a "very special guest" for Vance's tribute on Saturday, May 26.

Vivian Vance is best known for her roles as Ethel Mertz on 'I Love Lucy' and 'The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour' and as Vivian Bagley on 'The Lucy Show.' Her last appearance with Lucille Ball was in the 1977 TV special, 'Lucy Calls The President.'

Lucy-Desi Days 2007 is a 40+ event festival being held from May 25-27 in Jamestown, New York (Lucille Ball's hometown).

Complete details for the festival will be posted as soon as possible. Accommodation information can be found at:
http://www.lucy-desi.com/festival/festival_accom.html

Related Links:
Vivian Vance's Filmography
Wikipedia: Vivian Vance
The Vivian Vance Tribute Page
Viv: A Vivian Vance Page

Photo courtesy of The Vivian Vance Tribute Page.