Embark on Albany’s Candy Cane Crawl

The crawl first started as a way to highlight the candy cane legacy in our community, which first began in 1919 with Bob McCormack. As an investor, he saw potential in Albany, Georgia, for starting his candy company. After leaving his job at the Martin Biscuit Company and recruiting fellow investor Bob Mills, they headed to Albany and bought out a candy company, renaming it Bobs Candy Company. They brought minty sweets to the area and a variety of innovations, including break-proof packaging for candy canes.

Another notable invention was the Keller Machine, created by McCormack’s brother-in-law, which could perfectly twist and cut candy canes into their signature shape that we’ve come to know and love. By the 1940s, the company revolutionized the scene again by wrapping their candy canes in cellophane, preserving their freshness and increasing productivity. They continued growing in success and became a recognizable national brand by the 1960s. The company came to a close in 2005 when the McCormack family sold it to Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company, marking the end of a legendary era.

As for the Candy Cane Crawl itself, participating restaurants and businesses in Albany create deliciously minty sips or sweets for participants to try. You can pick up a bingo card from any participating establishment or the Albany Welcome Center starting on December 1 to get started on your minty adventure! While you’re at the Welcome Center, check out the official history of Bob's Candy book, Albany merch, the exclusive tumbler, t-shirts and more at the gift shop that are available for purchase. There’s also a free rack card with the history of Bob's Candy if you want a free digest-size version of their history to take home.

Visit any of the locations below, mention the Candy Cane Crawl, and use their listed promotion to receive a Candy Cane Crawl sticker on that space for your card. Once you’ve made “BINGO” with 5 in a row, head over to the Welcome Center by December 30 to turn in your card. For your exclusive prize, you’ll receive an “Albany, Home of the Candy Cane” tumbler and a long-sleeve t-shirt (while supplies last)! We will also hold a drawing in January 2026 for all returned cards where one lucky participant will receive a gift card to Livi & Company!