Dollywood candlemaker celebrates milestone along with park
Share this @internewscast.com

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Dollywood is celebrating 40 years, and one of its employees shared her journey through the park over the decades.

Kaeren Dykes humorously shared with News Channel 11 that she and Dolly Parton arrived at the park together as she conducted a candlemaking demonstration at Old Flame Candles.

Dykes has been with Dollywood since 1986 when the theme park transitioned its name from Silver Dollar City. Initially working as a candy maker, she switched to candlemaking around 35 years ago to maintain a winter job, as opportunities for women at that time were scarce.

“That’s one thing about Dollywood; it feels just like family,” Dykes stated. “When I first started working here, it was much smaller, and you felt like you knew everyone. But now, with so many employees, it’s challenging to know them all.”

Dykes spends her day working with hot wax, adding color and carving unique candles for park guests.

“We don’t have any particular design or pattern that we carve,” Dykes said. “We usually just start out carving and whatever comes out, that’s what we have.”

Customers interested in a type of candle who want them in other colors can bring an example over for reference so Dykes and other candlemakers can get to work.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

‘Murdered Paramedic’s Daughter Seeks Justice in South Carolina for Her Mother’s Killer’

MARION, S.C. (WBTW) — In an exclusive interview with News13, one of…

MTV’s ‘Floribama Shore’ Star Kirk Medas Passes Away at 33

MIAMI, Fla. (NEXSTAR) — Actor and TV personality Kirk Medas, renowned as…

Trump Suggests Reverting Howard University Funding to 2021 Levels After Hospital Completion

Correction: The Trump administration is proposing ending funding to Howard University related…

Local Private Schools Don Blue in Tribute to Col. Co. Deputies

MARTINEZ, Ga. () – Two local private schools are paying tribute to…

Marine Researcher Publishes Study on Lethal Disease Affecting Sea Lions

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Stranded sick sea lions have been suffering…

Bill O’Reilly: Putin Lacks Respect for Anyone on Earth

() President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained…

GasBuddy Challenges Trump’s Claim of $1.98 Per Gallon

(The Hill) GasBuddy, a company that tracks fuel costs across the country,…

CDC Reports Over 900 Measles Cases Across 29 States in the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its latest…

HHS Accidentally Emails List of Child Welfare Research Grants Scheduled for Termination

An official from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services accidentally…

‘FSU Shooting Survivor Shares Journey of Overcoming Adversity’

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Madison Askins is back home in Pasco County…

US Implements Sanctions on Fuel Theft Ring Linked to Jalisco Cartel

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday announced…

Bill O’Reilly Thinks Elon Musk and DOGE Are ‘On the Right Path’

() Bill O’Reilly said the Elon Musk led Department of Government Efficiency…