Sunridge Mall 1st Location in Canada to Feature The Chocolatour... An Exhibit Showcasing the History & Mystique of Chocolate

    CALGARY, Feb. 9 /CNW/ - In celebration of Purdy's 100th Year Anniversary,
Purdy's Chocolates in collaboration with Ivanhoe Cambridge present The
Chocolatour, a traveling exhibit featuring 10 larger-than-life interpretive
sculptures inspired by chocolate. Displayed from February 10-23 at Sunridge
Mall, the displays showcase the history of chocolate - from the ancient
cultures of Mexico and Central America, to Spanish Conquistadors, up to the
modern chocolate industry boom.
    Calgary's renowned Studio Y Creations designed and built the
extraordinary three-dimensional chocolate displays for The Chocolatour. The
exhibits include a giant cacao bean, a towering sculpture of ancient worship
and a historic Spanish trading ship. Each has been carefully designed to
resemble actual chocolate carvings and highlight significant events in the
history of chocolate.
    The Chocolatour was inspired by The True History of Chocolate written by
Sophie and Michael Coe. Both writers are anthropologists, food historians and
professors. "Written and illustrated for chocolate lovers, the book provided
an incredible foundation to build the exhibit," says Neena Arora, Purdy's
Chocolates Marketing Manager. "The exhibit is a wonderful way for mall
visitors to learn about chocolate's traditions and mystique."
    Marketing Director of Sunridge Mall, Alexandra Zalec says, "We are proud
to be the first shopping centre in Canada to host The Chocolatour. Just in
time for Valentine's Day, the mall will transform into a mouth-watering
chocolate extravaganza." At the exhibit launch on Saturday, February 10, there
will be truffle making demonstrations, how to hold a chocolate-tasting party,
free chocolate and an interactive kids' station. "Sunridge Mall is committed
to making the shopping experience more enjoyable for families. The Chocolatour
and assorted events we have planned promise to be a fun way for families to
learn about the history of chocolate."The Chocolatour Launch:   Kick-off Celebration for The Chocolatour
    -----------------------   Exhibit
                              Saturday, Feb. 10, Sunridge Mall
                              2525-36 Street NE

    Purdy's Chocolate Show:   Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. - Centre Court
    -----------------------
                              Featuring Peter Higgins, chocolate scientist,
                              and Neena Arora, chocolate connoisseur. How to
                              make truffles at home and how to arrange a
                              chocolate-tasting party. Chocolate-tasting from
                              different parts of the world.

    Kids Smiley (Chocolate)   1 p.m.-4 p.m. - lower level, east wing
    -----------------------
    Sucker Decorating:        Kids decorate their own chocolate suckers as
    ------------------        creatively as they like and take them home.

    Prizes:                   First 2,000 people to Centre Court receive free
    -------                   Purdy's Chocolates. Shoppers can also win trip
                              for two to the 2007 Chocolate Show in New York,
                              10 chances to win year's supply of Purdy's
                              Chocolates and five mall shopping sprees
                              ($300 each).

    The Chocolatour Exhibit:  February 10 to 23, Sunridge Mall
    ------------------------  2525-36 Street NEAbout Sunridge Mall

    Sunridge Mall - the largest shopping mall in northeast Calgary - is owned
and operated by Ivanhoe Cambridge. The centre has recently completed a
$47-million redevelopment and now features over 160 stores and services and
740,000 square feet of retail space.

For further information: Preston Stuart Communications, Ph: (403)
264-6444, Cell: [phone], Cell2: [phone], Email:
[e-mail]