It has been half a century and five years since moviegoers first took a glimpse inside the enchanting factory of chocolatier Willy Wonka.
In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the beloved 1971 film, “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” four original cast members will be visiting Maryland for a special two-day event.
The Chocolate Expo is scheduled for October 24 and 25, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, taking place at the Maryland State Fairgrounds located in Timonium.
Making their first appearance together in the Baltimore region, the cast includes Peter Ostrum, who portrayed Charlie Bucket—the impoverished yet loving protagonist; Julie Dawn Cole, who played the indulgent Veruca Salt; Paris Themmen, who took on the role of the TV-obsessed Mike TeeVee; and Rusty Goffe, who portrayed one of the whimsical Oompa Loompas, the small, orange-skinned, and green-haired characters working within Wonka’s magical factory.
Fans will have the chance to hear from the Wonka stars during a panel discussion held at 1 p.m. on both days, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.
Joining the cast for the discussion will be David Seltzer, the uncredited screenwriter of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.” Seltzer will provide insights into the screenplay’s creation and share anecdotes about his friendship with the late Gene Wilder, the actor who famously brought Willy Wonka to life in the film.
Throughout both days, actors will be available for autographs and photos with fans for specific fees. The costs are set at $40 for an autograph, $30 for a selfie with a cast member, $60 for a combination of both, $50 for an autograph on personal items, and $60 for an autograph on Funko Pop figures. Please note these prices are applicable per cast member and per item and only cash payments will be accepted.
VIP ticket purchasers will enjoy early entry starting at 9 a.m., granting them first access to obtain autographs and take selfies. VIP attendees will also receive a commemorative lanyard upon entry.
Guests can look forward to exploring a wide variety of food and beverages available for tasting and purchase, which will include chocolates, baked goods, cheeses, wines, spirits, meads, and much more.
No Chocolate Expo would be complete without an array of sweet delights in various forms, including chocolate fountains featuring dark, white, and milk chocolate; chocolate bonbons, fudge, truffles, macarons, cake pops, and even unique items like chocolate-covered bacon.
Among the vendors participating from Maryland are Kirchmayr Chocolatier, Far Eastern Winery, McCormick Bakery and Chocolate Factory, MFG Toffee & Bark Company, Mouth Party Caramels, and Old Line Spirits. Additionally, vendors from states such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire will be present, alongside international vendors from countries including France, Germany, and Lebanon.
Event attendees can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as a scavenger hunt, a kids’ zone complete with face painting and balloon art, a “name that chocolate” challenge, a Wonka costume contest, trivia, and even a sing-along with the original cast members.
VIP tickets are available for online purchase at $30 for adults and $15 for children aged 5 to 12. General Admission tickets with timed entry are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children when bought online, while tickets purchased at the door will cost $30 for adults and $15 for children if they remain available.
Additionally, the event will offer Late-Day Special tickets available online for $10 per person (ages 5 and up) and $15 at the door, pending availability. Organizers highly recommend securing tickets in advance to ensure admission.
This reunion event comes as Netflix recently released a new reality competition series titled “Wonka’s The Golden Ticket,” which premiered on September 23, featuring Goffe reprising his role as an Oompa Loompa.
Moreover, a prequel film entitled “Wonka” was released in 2023, starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular chocolatier.
The Chocolate Expo is now in its 20th year and is presented by Baum Image Group, operating across seven states.
For more information about the event, you can visit The Chocolate Expo website.
