MEET THE TEAM … Spangler Candy Team, Liam and Holly LaFavers.
(PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
CURIOUS ABOUT CANDY… Liam watches intently as he learns about the candy-making process.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
A boy with a sweet tooth and a talent for making headlines made a special stop in Bryan on June 6. Liam LaFavers, the Kentucky eight-year-old who captured hearts across the nation after he accidentally ordered $4,200 worth of Dum-Dums online, was treated to a VIP tour at none other than the Spangler Candy Company, home of his favorite treat.
At 9:00 a.m. sharp, Liam arrived with his mom, Holly LaFavers, for a morning of sugar, smiles, and a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved candy factory.
Hosted by the Spangler team, the experience included an all-access peek inside production, hands-on fun at Spangler Candy World, and plenty of Dum-Dums to go around.
Liam’s sweet adventure began weeks ago at his Somerset, Kentucky, home, when the young boy, who lives with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), discovered a very clickable Amazon link.
Thinking it was just a fun game, he managed to place an order for 22 boxes of Dum-Dums. That’s about 70,000 lollipops, totaling over $4,200.
Holly LaFavers adopted Liam when he was just two and a half years old. She mentioned that he often hyper-fixates on his interests, which currently involves throwing a carnival for his friends. What better prize than 22 heavy cases of Bryan-made suckers?
She mentioned the initial difficulty from Amazon while trying to refund the order, and LaFavers ended up re-selling them to her local businesses and community. Within two hours, every single box had found a new home — off of her front doorstep!
Spangler Candy Company CEO Kirk Vashaw responded to the viral moment with a perfect blend of humor and generosity.
“Spangler Candy Co. is pleased to have such enthusiastic Dum-Dums fans out there,” he states. “We love that so many people jumped in to offer to purchase the extra cases. We offered to take back any extra Dum-Dums, and are glad to hear the family was ultimately reimbursed.”
The sweetness didn’t stop there. Vashaw even joked about Liam’s potential future with the company.
“We also would like to interview Liam for a sales position in 10 to 15 years,” he added with a grin, cementing the boy’s honorary status as Dum-Dum’s most enthusiastic fan.
A potential job opportunity is not all that was offered – Spangler went as far as to offer Liam and Holly free local lodging, activities, and an all-out tour of where the magic happens in Bryan, Ohio.
After dressing in the proper garments, the pair sent off on a tour of Liam’s most favorite candies, stopping to check out how each piece is made.
Staff kindly indulged the young boy by sneaking a few treats here and there, because every batch needs a taste test, of course!
Liam’s excitement was more than contagious! He filled the room with laughter as he toured the facility. His eagerness even extended to visit the company’s warehouse, where he greeted each automatic robot with a toothy grin and a sweet, “Hello, Mr. Robot!”
When asked about his favorite flavor of Dum-Dums, Liam stopped and thought very seriously. “Bubblegum,” he replied, flashing two thumbs up.
His mother even brought a thank-you gift of homemade Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate and local soda to the Spangler team.
Liam’s journey from a curious click to the candy factory floor is a reminder of how a little, unintentional, mischief can turn into a whole lot of magic.
What could have been a stressful situation for his family instead sparked a wave of kindness, laughter, and community, with Spangler Candy Company leading the way.
From the company’s good-natured response to the once-in-a-lifetime tour, Liam’s story has brought smiles far beyond the lollipop aisle.
While he may not be ready for a sales role just yet, one thing is for certain: Liam’s Dum-Dums adventure has left a lasting impression, just as sweet as the candy itself.