If you walk into Aberdeen Centre this summer, be prepared for a sweet surprise.
Sweet dreams are made of this…, an exhibition featuring custom-made candy decorations, including the world's first gummy bear, M&M's chocolate and a favourite Chinese candy, White Rabbit, has arrived in Aberdeen Centre.
As visitors walk into the mall, they are immediately confronted by a giant packet of gummy bears hanging from the ceiling of the mall’s central atrium. However, these are no ordinarygummy bears. These mammal-shaped treats are replicas of the first gummy bears ever made back in Germany, 1920.
And the sweet daydream doesn’t stop there.
Exhibition visitors are also treated to two-feet-tallFrench macaroons, huge Spanish Chupa Chups lollipops and China’s beloved national candy White Rabbit on the main stage.
"Candy is directly linked to some of our happiest memories, and we always associate candy with positivity, such as childhood, love, joy, friendship and celebration," said Joey Kwan, Aberdeen Centre’s spokeswoman, and the brains behind the exhibit.
"But sometimes we take candies for granted; we even forget to appreciate having treats in our life. I wish this show could not only put a smile on people's face but also encourage them to cherish the many little things in our life," said Kwan.
There is also an educational element to the exhibit.
Beside the mainstage is a book station that provides fun facts that help educate visitors about the history of candy. For example, candy was used for digestive troubles in ancient times. In the 1800s, physicians would prescribe candy as a pain killer and to cure a broken heart. M&Ms were invented during wartime so soldiers could enjoy chocolate without it melting.
"I want to ensure all kids have fun during the summer, but they could also learn something while playing here," said Kwan.
Also featured in the exhibit is a China-meets-Canada candy cart, featuring the best candies from both countries. For example, cotton candy is paired with dragon's beard, a traditional Chinese sweet which tastes similar to cotton candy.
"Even though these candies are from two different countries, there are some things shared in common between the two cultures," said Kwan, adding that all the materials used in the exhibit are recyclable.
The Sweet dreams exhibit runs from June 30 to Sept. 2 at Aberdeen Centre. Those who attend the exhibition can also enter a contest to win an ice cream cart by posting a picture to Instagram with #aberdeencentresweetdreams.
