Easter Fun at Fairfield’s Jelly Belly Factory

Wendell and Wendy Bunny, both dressed in their Easter best, arrived at the factory on Jelly Belly Lane last Sunday for a one-week visit. They can be found daily in the Tangerine Room on the second floor, smiling for photographs and visiting with children. Fairfield photographer Diana Harris is capturing all the memories in professional photos available for purchase, and parents are also welcome to use their own cameras to take pictures.

Seven-year-old Amelie Norton, wearing a beautiful spring dress, was munching happily on a bag of jelly beans as she waited in line to see Wendy Bunny with her mom, Becca Wednesday morning. The Norton’s, from San Francisco, were visiting the factory for the very first time.

Amelie has been asking for a trip to Jelly Belly for years, her mom said. The parents thought the Easter holiday would be a perfect time to experience it for the first time. Amelie’s response to the idea: a big thumbs up.

“Daddy and my brother are still in line for the tour,” Amelie said after taking a photo with Wendy Bunny. “We are having lots of fun. I love Easter. It’s one of my favorite holidays with candy, eggs, Easter Bunny, spring.”

Also in the Tangerine Room Wednesday were Francine Anselmo from Fairfield and her 9-month-old daughter, Adriana. Adriana, wearing a bright yellow dress, was winning hearts with her adorable response to Wendy Bunny. Not a tear was shed as she little girl sat on Wendy’s lap, starring up at the bunny in awe.

“She is looking at her like, ‘you look like my TV show,’” her mom said with a laugh.

Visits with Wendell and Wendy are free and the Tangerine Room is located next to where all the daily tours begin. It has been a popular stop for people leaving the tours but guests are also welcome to come upstairs on their own to see the bunnies.

Bunny pictures are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Friday, and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The photo hours are shorter Saturday to make room for the annual brunch with Mr. Jelly Belly and the Easter bunnies, set for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join Mr. Jelly Belly, Wendell and Wendy for a private brunch with entertainment and Easter treats. Cost is $19.99 for all guests 3 and over and children 2 and under are free. Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.jellybelly.com

Free daily factory tours will also be ongoing, although guests should expect larger holiday crowds with many children now on Spring Break. The factory will be closed Easter Sunday but is otherwise open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with tours ending at 4 p.m.

While in the visitor’s center, stop by the jelly bean and fudge sample bars to enjoy Easter and spring-themed treats, including bunny corn and bunny corn flavored fudge – YUM!

The Fairfield Conference & Visitors Bureau markets and promotes the Fairfield region as a destination for meetings, events, travel and tourism. The bureau, an independent non-profit 501 (c) (6) organization, was created in 2004 by a Business Improvement District and is funded by 18 lodging properties in Fairfield.  For more information, contact us at 707-399-2445, email info@visitfairfieldca.com or visit www.visitfairfieldca.com