The Dictionary of American Food and Drink states that cotton candy first appeared in 1900 at the Ringling Bros. Circus and that Thomas Patton received a patent for the cotton candy machine in 1900.

Cotton candy is made from 100% sugar. The sugar is first melted to a liquid. The cotton candy machine spins the liquid sugar and forces the liquid through tiny holes. When the sugar pass through the tiny holes it is shaped and cooled and becomes a solid again. The center of the cotton candy candy machine soon becomes filled with tasty sugar threads, which are collected and served on a stick or a cone.

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