Gather around, the Candy Man is here

TOP PHOTO: In his pre-Candy Man days, John Snodderly (far right) rides through town in the 2013 Christmas Parade.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – John Snodderly, the Candy Man, calls it “the most enjoyable walk I take all year;” the three-mile walk from La Follette Elementary School to the Sonic. From shivering through some of the coldest days, with snow and sleet, to suffering a bright red sunburn, the Candy Man, has experienced it all over the years handing out candy in the Christmas Parade.

The Candy Man’s days of the parade go back to his childhood Christmases of watching the parade from the lawn of his dad’s pharmacy, Ken’s Pharmacy, in front of the hospital. “As time passed, Dad was elected to city council for La Follette, and he began throwing candy,” said John. From there, the 2021 Grand Marshal of the Christmas Parade, Betty Snodderly, became executive director of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce. That put Betty, John’s mother, right in the thick of the annual parade. “Her first volunteers were Ken, John and Amy (John’s sister),” said John.

“It’s become a family tradition,” said John. At the young age of six, his daughter Nora began walking with him handing out candy. With Nora’s grandmother, Betty, as this year’s grand marshal, it makes this parade even more special.

Snodderly prepares for the parade by walking everyday a few weeks prior to the big day, buying cases and cases of candy and always keeping in mind his dad’s saying, “it’s always about the kids.” His father also taught him just how important the parade is to the community.

“People I haven’t seen in forever say Merry Christmas. It’s so great to see kids light up and adults smile and say Merry Christmas,” said John.

Having parents who were civic minded is another reason John carries on the tradition all these years later and will again Saturday at 2pm when the Christmas Parade makes its way down Central Avenue. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/29/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)