The candy shop has changed owners and locations over the decades, but remains a staple in the community.
When John Badger and his wife purchased the store 15 years ago, they had no experience making candy. They trained for a month with the previous owners to learn their classic recipes. Now, Badger is passing down the tradition to his grandson.
"He’s far enough advanced that can make canes with me," Badger says. "Now he’s learning how to do my part of the process so that eventually someone can help him make canes."
Badger and his son made a 15-foot candy cane for the 100 th anniversary of the store.
Cristian Devin watched her parents John and Pam Badger save the Candy Kitchen from closing. Now, her kids make candy cane pieces in the store.
“I think it means a lot to the community," says Devin. "We get a lot of people tell us how much it means to them and how grateful they are to us for keeping the tradition alive. I know when mom and dad bought the store, that was the main idea. We didn’t wanna see it close.”
Several events are planned to celebrate, starting at 11 a.m. Saturday morning. Activities will include balloon animals, bouncy houses and face painting. The shop will host an open-house in the evening.
