History is sweet, and so was the Nestle chocolate that spilled across the Ontario and Western (O & W) railroad tracks resulting in the Great Chocolate Wreck of September 27, 1955. Legend says someone pulled the switch that caused the derailment of the O & W southbound train, spilling two carloads of Nestle chips, Crunch bars and Quik! Jim Evans, Hamilton resident during the time of the crash says, “It was like hitting the lottery. The news of the train wreck spread very quickly throughout the town and most every kid that I knew was there to pick up Nestle bars.”

This popular festival is not annual, however it attracts thousands of visitors to Hamilton to celebrate the Great Chocolate Wreck, blending history, chocolate, 1950’s culture and trains. There is something for everyone: model train exhibits by the CNY Chapter of National Railway, live music, a skit retelling the story of the wreck, chocolate themed games, decadent desserts in the Chocolate Bake-off, and a tour of the site by John Taibi, local train historian. Enjoy the tales of those who were present (and benefited from) at the time as they share their real experiences at the Hamilton Historic Commission's tent.

The 2007 festival highlights included: new sweet ingredients; a dedication of a historic commemorative sign at the site of the wreck made possible with thanks to the Village of Hamilton, Hamilton Historic Commission, Parry's Hardware and David Grace (artist). chocolate sculpture of the O & W diesel engine hand carved on site by local artist Deb Whitman and a variety of entertainers, including the performance by Wil Galison of an original song of the “Chocolate Wreck”.

The Great Chocolate Wreck festival is a sweet opportunity to blend the perfect amount of music, people and chocolate with the unique historic event of 1955.