Pop 16 cups, (4 quarts) of popcorn, in a large mixing bowl, remove any un-popped kernels and set popcorn aside.
Combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar, and food coloring, in a saucepan, stirring constantly and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, about 6 minutes Add cream of tarter. Clip on a candy thermometer and lower heat to medium. Bring syrup to 250 degrees, hard ball stage, on a candy thermometer, about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, and soda. Stir well and pour over popped corn. Mix well and add candy corn. Let cool a little.
Wash and butter your hands and form popcorn balls, about apple size.
Let cool and wrap.
Recipe by Cheery Kitchen at https://cheerykitchen.com/candy-corn-popcorn-balls/