OAK PARK: "Sourest Place on Planet" - Candycopia Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title
OAK PARK, Ill. (July 20, 2026) – Sour candy lovers made history this weekend as Candycopia, the beloved Chicagoland candy destination, officially earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for hosting the “World’s Largest Sour Candy Tasting.” A total of 625 participants puckered up simultaneously to achieve the title in celebration of National Sour Candy Day.
The record-breaking event was made official by a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator on Saturday, July 18, as candy enthusiasts of all ages squirmed in delight throughout a guided candy tasting hosted on the athletic fields of Ridgeland Commons in the Explore Oak Park and Beyond region of Illinois.
“Our mission as a candy store is to translate candy into memorable experiences,” said Patrick Mason, co-owner of Candycopia. “Today wasn’t just about eating candy - it was about making memories with friends, and the thrill of collectively pushing our tastebuds to their limit. We’re so proud to host a space that creates moments like this. Even when the candy is gone, we know the stories will endure.”
Participants simultaneously braved three increasingly sour candies, including a Cry Baby® Sour Wax Bottle Mini Drink, a BUBS® Sour Tutti Frutti Rhombus, and a Barnetts™ Mega Sour - widely considered one of the world’s most sour candies.
This event marked the beginning of Candycopia’s summerlong celebration of sour candy, as the retailer launches its 2026 Sour Candy Challenge available now in stores and online. And, to satiate true sour enthusiasts, Candycopia has introduced the “Ultimate Sour Candy Collection” – a curated gift set featuring 15 of the most intense and in-demand sour candies from around the world.
"This GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ achievement is an example of the creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural moments that make the Explore Oak Park and Beyond region such a special destination," said Annie Coakley, Executive Director of Explore Oak Park and Beyond. "Candycopia has created an event that not only brings our community together but also attracts visitors from near and far. We're thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with Patrick, Alycia, and the entire Candycopia team."
For more information about Candycopia, visit http://www.candycopia.com/ and follow the store on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
“Our mission as a candy store is to translate candy into memorable experiences,” said Patrick Mason, co-owner of Candycopia. “Today wasn’t just about eating candy - it was about making memories with friends, and the thrill of collectively pushing our tastebuds to their limit. We’re so proud to host a space that creates moments like this. Even when the candy is gone, we know the stories will endure.”
Participants simultaneously braved three increasingly sour candies, including a Cry Baby® Sour Wax Bottle Mini Drink, a BUBS® Sour Tutti Frutti Rhombus, and a Barnetts™ Mega Sour - widely considered one of the world’s most sour candies.
This event marked the beginning of Candycopia’s summerlong celebration of sour candy, as the retailer launches its 2026 Sour Candy Challenge available now in stores and online. And, to satiate true sour enthusiasts, Candycopia has introduced the “Ultimate Sour Candy Collection” – a curated gift set featuring 15 of the most intense and in-demand sour candies from around the world.
"This GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ achievement is an example of the creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural moments that make the Explore Oak Park and Beyond region such a special destination," said Annie Coakley, Executive Director of Explore Oak Park and Beyond. "Candycopia has created an event that not only brings our community together but also attracts visitors from near and far. We're thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with Patrick, Alycia, and the entire Candycopia team."
For more information about Candycopia, visit http://www.candycopia.com/ and follow the store on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.