CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — With the holiday season upon us, gratitude is in the air, especially among small business owners in Champaign who are paying homage to a slice of history. This historical nod has significantly shaped Venue CU into the thriving wedding establishment it is today.

Decades ago, before the building became a nuptial haven, it was home to Vriners Confectionery, where Peter Vriner crafted delightful sweets. Inspired by this legacy, Dan Church and his family are reviving these confections after gaining sweet-making expertise in Florida.

“We traveled to Bradenton, Florida, located right along the boardwalk,” Church shared. “It was there that Pete, operating from a local candy shop, showed us the intricate process of candy cane creation, allowing us to take part from beginning to end.”

The process involved heating sugar, spreading it on a historic 900-pound marble slab, adding color, and meticulously shaping it into candy canes.

“It’s like witnessing art come to life,” Church reflected. “I thoroughly enjoyed hefting the large copper kettle and pouring its contents across the slab, all while envisioning the candy cane it would soon become.”

While they were creating the candy, they also reflected on the 128-year-old recipe and the history it holds. In fact, Church said when John F. Kennedy was campaigning for the presidency, he stopped in Champaign and tried a famous candy cane.

“He got off at the train station right over here. Walked into Vriners and got his hands on one of those candy canes. It’s written that he said it’s the greatest candy cane he’s ever had,” Church said.

So, after a weekend full of lessons, the magic is coming back. More than 300 candy canes are in Central Illinois once again and ready to be distributed.

“We’re doing this to bring something special, something unique that is part of our history in Champaign,” he said.

It’s a full circle moment and a story of two family businesses keeping legacy and community impact front of mind this holiday season.

The Venue CU owners brought back the classic red and green candy canes, as well as orange and blue Illini-themed ones. Those have already sold out online. If you want to order the Christmas-colored ones, follow this link for more details, including pick-up dates and times.