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Dum-Dums distributed by drone

PORT CLINTON – One hundred years ago when Dum-Dums lollipops were first created, the primary method of distribution to customers was horse-drawn delivery wagons. Recently, this iconic candy brand was delivered by a drone.


A drone demonstration took place Aug. 16 at the Catawba Island State Park. A chase boat followed the drone across Lake Erie landing at the South Bass Island Lighthouse. From departure to the landing, the demonstration took 17 minutes and 17 seconds to complete.


The inaugural flight was a key element of a drone certification program at the Liberty Aviation Museum, attended by high school students. The three-day drone certification program was a partnership between the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation and LocoRobo.


The teachings included how the four forces – thrust, drag, weight and lift – act on drones, how to pilot certain types of drones, safety regulations including when and where to fly, and what information must be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).


The curriculum was developed based on FAA regulations.


The drone certification program prepared the students to take the FAA exam, available at the Bowling Green Flight Center. The program will help pay the testing fee.


As part of the drone pilot program, in an event dubbed “Operation Lollipop Drop,” a group of local, state and business leaders, as well as the students, gathered at the Catawba Island State Park to observe the first Ohio-based launch of a fully-autonomous cargo delivery via drone to South Bass Island in Lake Erie. The product was a package of Dum-Dum lollipops donated by the Spangler Candy Co.


“Dum-Dums is celebrating its 100th birthday this year and is now known as the treat you can find pretty much everywhere,” said Kirk Vashaw, chairman and CEO of Spangler Candy Co.


“The 12 million Dum-Dums we produce daily make their way into banks, beauty salons, car washes, restaurants, parades, kitchen counters and everywhere people can use a smile to brighten their day. Now using drone technology, we can spread more smiles to even more places.”


Between 1924 and 1953, horse-drawn wagons gave way to motorized trucks as the transportation of choice for candy deliveries, and by the time Spangler Candy Co. bought the Dum-Dums brand from the Akron Candy Co. in 1953, deliveries were happening in semi-trailers in order to meet the increasing demand from consumers all over the country.


“It’s really neat to be a part of this, to help celebrate 100 years of Dum-Dums and this new technology that’s going to change the world,” said Bill Martin, president of Spangler Candy Co. “We jumped at the opportunity. I mean, they could’ve picked anything to take across on this inaugural flight. We feel very privileged they chose us.”


“Any drone delivery is exciting, but you should have seen the smiles of the people as that package of Dum-Dums launched,” said Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade. “There is great potential for drone deliveries to have a positive impact on the economy, and I can’t think of any better product with which to test it.”


The idea of transporting Dum-Dums from Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay came from Lu Cooke of Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted’s office, as Dum-Dums is celebrating its 100th birthday this year.

“They were trying to think of something that could be delivered to the island, and with Dum-Dums 100th birthday, she thought of this,” Martin said.


Ottawa County is keeping workforce at the foundation of this technology. Eventually, there will be a need for people to build and fly commercial drones.


“As the State of Ohio works diligently to integrate this emerging technology into our daily lives, it will be important for community stakeholders to not only identify their needs and assets but collaborate regionally early in the planning process,” said Chris Singerling, executive director, Ottawa County Improvement Corp.


“We’re realizing the great potential of this technology, and those partnerships are essential to communicating with the community and the businesses about the benefits of this technology and why we’re bringing it here,” stated Clay Finken, director of the Erie-Ottawa International Airport. “It’s happening across the country and we don’t want Port Clinton to miss out on the benefits, so we are strongly fostering a grass-roots effort. It’s been a really cool experience this week and we can’t wait to build on this. This is the first of many steps.”


“It’s great to see companies and communities use technology to solve logistical challenges,” said Husted. “If we want Ohio to be the most entrepreneurial, innovative state in the Midwest, we need big ideas, and a successful first test of this drone system has promising values for the future.”

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