At first glance, Snow Cone Eddie’s shaved ice trailer may look like any other roadside vendor. But trust me, if you see the “Ice Castle” trailer on your travels, stop. You won’t be disappointed.

What’s so special about these snow cones? Ask around. Snow Cone Eddie, also known as Eddie Johnson Sr., has been building a following lately, with folks driving clear to other counties to treat themselves to the delicious shaved ice.

Eddie hails from Rogersville, where he’s lived all his life. In his time, Eddie’s worked several jobs, including factory work and construction. But five years ago, doctor’s orders said he needed to take it easy. Back problems and other health issues made heavy-lifting jobs a bad choice. A friend introduced Eddie to the Snow Cone business.

For several years, Eddie set his trailer up on one spot, but recently he’s gone traveling to Tazewell, Bean Station, Rutledge, Maynardville, Washburn, Luttrell, Halls, and lots of local festivals. With more people trying the tasty frozen treats, word got around. Folks started following Eddie on Facebook and showing up wherever he goes.

“I just enjoy meeting the nice people, meeting people and seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces,” Eddie said. “It’s what keeps me going. I love my job.”

Snow Cone Eddie has 125 flavors of snow cones, many of them are his and wife Charlene’s own recipes. He makes his own syrups and flavors, including a cream topping to go with some of the recipes, and he doesn’t skimp on the flavor. A snow cone from Eddie is much more than just colored ice.

“I’m not stingy with my flavors. That costs me a little bit, but I up my flavors and give you plenty of juice,” he said. “I fill it full of flavor.”

The most popular flavor is strawberry shortcake with cream. Others include Georgia peach (also available with cream), Superman (blue and red raspberry), and even strawberry cobbler (strawberry, French vanilla and a dash of cinnamon).

Snow Cone Eddie came to Thunder in the Park in Maynardville and had the longest line there, he said. He’s available for company picnics and fundraisers for schools, churches and organizations. If he’s part of a fundraiser, Eddie said he typically gives 50 percent of his proceeds to the cause.

“I believe that if you give, you’ll receive it back somehow. The Lord has blessed me this year, and I feel like I should give back if I can,” Eddie said.

It’s not easy work and takes a lot of time. Eddie and Charlene often work 12-hour days including driving time. But Eddie said it’s worth it. And he’s humbled and surprised at his new following.

“I never imagined it would get this big,” he said. “I’m just a plain old country boy.”

In Maynardville, Snow Cone Eddie typically sets up at Advance Auto Parts. You can follow his travels on Facebook by searching “Eddie Johnson Sr.,” and you can inquire about bringing him to your fundraiser or event by calling 423-358-9928.