“What is a Kissmobile, you ask? This is a 25.5’ long, 11.5’ tall specialty vehicle that resembles a row of three giant Hershey’s Kisses chocolates – a classic Hershey’s Kisses chocolate, a Hershey’s Kisses With Almond chocolate and a Hershey’s Hugs chocolate,” Mitchell said. “This mammoth vehicle will be in marked contrast to our display of Antique Automobiles that are displayed during the 13th annual AACA Antique Auto Show and Competition that also takes place on Saturday, Sept. 30.”

“These two auto extravaganza, combined with the opening of the new Bath & Body Works and the White Marlin Mall Fall Sidewalk Sale make all this a must see event that will please the entire family on Saturday of Sunfest weekend,” Mitchell said. “Of course, the Hershey Kissmobile will also be dispensing free Hershey kisses in all three varieties.”

Mitchell explained that there are two Kissmobile vehicles that travel to small towns and large cities across the United States bringing smiles to the faces of kids of all ages and sharing the message that “Every kid deserves Hugs and Kisses...especially Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses.”

Each Kissmobile will travel approximately 50,000 miles in 2000. The crew members will give away “Hugs and Kisses,” visit local children’s hospitals, and participate in festivals. The tours also will generate increased awareness for the Hershey’s Kisses brand and help raise donations for Hershey’s long standing charity partner, the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN Champions).

Kissmobile One travels the Northern and Southern routes of the United Stated while Kissmobile Two travels the Midwestern and Western routes.

The first vehicle was created in 1997 to celebrate Hershey’s Kisses’ 90th anniversary. In February 1999, Hershey introduced the second Kissmobile.

During 1997 and 1998, the original Kissmobile traveled nearly 100,000 miles. The crew handed out more than two million Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses and made special appearances at 71 CMN-affiliated children’s hospitals.

The Kissmobile inspired many stories in the national media including articles in Family Circle and Auto Week magazine, segments on CNN Headline News and NBC’s Today Show and was mentioned on Public Radio International’s Whad’ Ya Know? program.

To make the Kissmobile a reality, it took Prototype Source Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. six months to design and build the Kissmobile.

The vehicle was completed in May 1997. The giant Hershey's Kisses are made of Fiberglass material. Each Kiss shape is 7.5 feet tall with the Hershey's Kisses Plumes measuring four feet long.

Gearheads will be pleased to know that the Kissmobile is built on 1997 GMC W-4, W-Series truck chassis and was assembled in Janesville, Wis.

“This thing weights 13,250 lbs. and is powered by GM's Vortec 5700 V8 gas engine,” Mitchell said. “The Hershey's Kissmobile sports the Pennsylvania plate ‘KISS 2 GO’.”

The Hershey's Kissmobile includes a 45" Panasonic big screen Television, DVD video deck, a cab CD deck, Pioneer laser disc player, and a built-in Public Address and Closed Caption Television System.

The "Great Kiss Race," an animated contest viewed on a video monitor, is installed in the Kissmobile and those who visit White Marlin Mall can play the game.

Chocolate lovers will be pleased to hear that the Hershey's Kissmobile has the capacity to store 230,000 Hershey's Hugs & Kisses chocolates in a refrigerated compartment, many of which will be given out at White Marlin Mall.

In addition, two ”Chocolate Ambassadors” man the Kissmobile. Carrie England and Khara Lintel will give out the Hershey favorites and assist in showing off the high tech wizardry built into the Kissmobile.

Hershey Foods Corporation is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate, confectionery and chocolate-related grocery products and has a variety of international operations.

“The two Kissmobiles are very popular with kids of all ages,” says Linda Pappariella, Marketing Manager, Hershey Foods Corporation. “They create huge smiles and memories that will last a lifetime.”

“For more than ten years we've enjoyed our relationship with Hershey. We are excited to have their continued support to help raise funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network,” said Clark Sweat, Vice President Marketing at CMN.