FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June XX, 2010
CONTACT
Heather Atherton
Atherton Public Relations
916/316-4568
heather@athertonpr.com
STAGE NINE PRESENTS SIGNATURE “IT’S A CANDY NATION” EXHIBIT AT
THE (fill in blank) FAIR (dates)
Specialty Exhibit Takes Visitors on a Journey through North America’s
History as a Pioneer in the Confectionary Industry
(Sacramento, CA – June XX, 2010) -- Celebrating the history of all of our favorite sweet treats, Stage
Nine Entertainment, Inc.’s IT’S A CANDY NATION exhibit will be a featured attraction highlighting
this year’s (fill in blank) Fair. IT’S A CANDY NATION will provide an opportunity to learn from the
best about what it’s like to develop, test, create and market confections. The exhibit will also celebrate
North America’s leadership in developing most of the favorite treats we enjoy and takes a nostalgic
journey through the candies we loved as kids that many of us still indulge in today. It is the largest
traveling exhibit of its kind in North America.
Stage Nine has been creating featured exhibits for the California State Fair for six years. IT’S A
CANDY NATION exceeded the success of previous years at last year’s California State Fair and the
Central Washington State Fair. In the past, Stage Nine’s exhibits like TOYTOPIA and GOING
HOLLYWOOD have averaged attendance of over 300,000 people each year. Attendees have spent an
unprecedented average of 20 minutes per person inside. Canada’s exhibit enhances the most popular
elements of its inaugural year and is sure to surpass expectations for Canadians as it did Americans.
Strolling through IT’S A CANDY NATION is a chance to understand the history of candymaking in North America, the nostalgia of candy and how different types of candy have
become popular over the years due to culture as well as improvements in technology, graphics
and marketing. According to a March 2009 New York Times article by Christine Haughney
titled “When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls”, the candy industry is seeing history
repeat itself with growing sales during a severe economic slump. Haughney writes, “There may
be historic precedent to the recessionary strength of the candy business. During the 1930s,
candy companies thrived, introducing an array of confections that remain popular today.
Snickers started in 1930. Tootsie Pops appeared in 1931. Mars bars with almonds and Three
Musketeers bars followed in 1932.”
Many North American candy-makers are seeing a similar spike in business since October 2008
when the recession set in. Per Haughney’s article, “Many big candy makers are reporting rising
sales and surprising profits even as manufacturers of other products are struggling to stay
afloat. Cadbury reported a 30 percent rise in profits for 2008 while Nestle’s profits grew by
10.9 percent, according to public filings. Hershey, which struggled for much of 2008, saw
profits jump by 8.5 percent in the fourth quarter.”
IT’S A CANDY NATION aims to give people a chance to immerse themselves in what brings them joy
in this uncertain time. “With the IT’S A CANDY NATION exhibit, we strive to inspire the public to
share in our love of candy from childhood through today,” explains exhibit director and owner of Stage
Nine, Troy Carlson. “IT’S A CANDY NATION gives us the opportunity to share sweet memories and
make new ones across generations and across the continent.”
IT’S A CANDY NATION will showcase the world of candy highlighting candy companies
including:
 Dare Foods
 Jelly Belly Candy Co.
 See’s Candy
 PEZ
 Wrigley’s
 Adams & Brooks
 Just Born
 American Licorice Co.
 National Confectioners Association
 and many more!
IT’S A CANDY NATION will also celebrate North America’s rich candy-making history.
Featured in the exhibit is a huge candy mountain, complete with a candy factory with all the
“smells” you would associate with such a sweet exhibit. In addition, there will be a seasonal
candy display, a vintage candy store, collections of vintage candy boxes and gumball machines
and antique candy-making equipment. IT’S A CANDY NATION will feature several
interactive exhibits including items from the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”.
At the end of the exhibit tour, visitors can visit the exhibit store where they can purchase your
favorite candy and a demonstration area. There will be many hands-on opportunities, sights
and smells as well as much candy to buy and eat in the history of candy area. Special
giveaways will offer a sweet surprise to guests in the exhibit.
To find out more about IT’S A CANDY NATION and hours, please visit (fair web site) or
www.stagenine.com.
About Stage Nine Entertainment Group
Stage Nine Entertainment Group, owned by Troy Carlson, is a full-service developer of creative,
unusual exhibits for permanent or temporary display. Creative exhibits are on regular display inside of
Stage Nine Entertainment Store and G. Willikers Toy Emporium in Old Sacramento as well as Wall
Drug in Wall, South Dakota. For more information on developing a custom, creative display for your
business, please visit Stage Nine Entertainment Store at 916-447-3623 or www.stagenine.com.
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