Think Willy Wonka, with a computer.

That may be on the mind of those buying Nut Goodie bars over the next few weeks. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of its chocolate bar, Pearson's Candy Co. in St. Paul is staging not only a contest but offering a new candy bar, a variation of the treat that has kept Midwesterners in sticky fingers for generations. Tapping into culinary trends, the new Sea Salt Caramel Nut Goodie is finding its way onto shelves in the five-state market now.

On its wrapper, and on designated versions of the regular Nut Goodie bar, is a code to let buyers enter a contest online, with a prize that involves a tour of the candy factory, to be held around Halloween -- the Too Goodie to Be True Factory Tours. Twenty winners -- with up to four guests each -- will head through the specially designed entrance into Pearson's factory (shades of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"). Mike Teavee and Augustus Gloop need not apply.

And there's more news: The Nut Goodie will be featured in the Deep-Fried Candy Bar booth during the Minnesota State Fair. "It will be a battered bar, but probably not on a stick. The whole 1.7 ounce Nut Goodie," said Michael Keller, CEO and president of Pearson's. Next year? Maybe the Salted Nut Roll, when it turns 80.

"There's a serious side of our business," said Keller. "But then I'm reminded that, hey, we make candy."

No word on whether Oompa Loompas will be part of the tour at Pearson's.

For more info, see www.nutgoodie.com.