Pop the popcorn and keep it warm in the oven
In a heavy saucepan, add the sugar, water, and salt
Use the candy thermometer to check the boiling temperature
Bring the pot to a boil, making sure everything is mixed and dissolved, let the ingredients boil until it reaches 235 degrees, which is the soft-ball stage
Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla - mix in
Pour over warmed popcorn
Add the gummy worm to the top of the mixture
Shape popcorn into 3 inch balls
*you can wash hands in cold water to prevent the popcorn balls from sticking to you
To keep the popcorn balls fresh and maintain their shape - Wrap easch on in wax paper and secure with a Halloween ribbon