LEXINGTON, Ky. — Ruth Hunt Candy is celebrating a sweet 100th anniversary. The Kentucky business has a goal of “making delicious chocolates that they can be proud of and that make customers happy and feel good."

Anniversary festivities kicked off Thursday with free candy and a special welcome from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, who declared August 5 as "Ruth Hunt Candy Day" at the ribbon cutting celebrations. 

Since 1921, the Kentucky owned and operated confectionary has made its mark on the Commonwealth with chocolates, pulled cream candy, caramels and toffee. Ruth Tharpe Hunt opened her business during the Great Depression when women were constricted to professions like nursing and sewing.

“It is a lot of pride and realizing that we got here by the work of many people. So we have put our mark on it, but we have had help along the way,” co-owner Tobby Moore said. 

The work of others Moore is referring to is Gloria Walker. For Walker, celebrations like this are what she looks forward to.

“It is absolutely just awesome. I have so much fun selling candy and just talking about Ruth Hunt and how long we have been here and it is just amazing,” Walker said.

Walker has dedicated almost a decade to being a sales associate at the Ruth Hunt Candy location in Lexington. Smiling faces, music playing and enjoying others' company reminds her of why she continues to do this.

“Even though we are having a 100th year [celebration], I actually feel like I am about 21, you know because it is just fun,” said Walker.

Beyond the fun, Walker aims to make customers happy and feel good – one of the greatest goals of Ruth Hunt Candy.

"This young man came in and he wanted to get something for his sister. And honestly he just bought everything. I think he bought $250 worth of product, I was having so much fun. He was like, 'I do not want to take up your time,' Walker said.

Whether new or returning, Walker carries a ‘we have got you covered attitude’ for customers. Because of that her customers are more than just customers to her.

"They are family to me, you know it is just wonderful. People come in and we have all kinds of things, they will say they are looking for a birthday gift or something to surprise their wife and then that gives us a chance to say well look we have got this and we have got that," said Walker.

Co-owners Tobby Moore and the Kezele family are looking forward to the success of another 100 years for Ruth Hunt Candy.