Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).

Cream together margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs one at a time.

In a separate bowl, whisk together baking soda and flour.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.

Fold in chopped orange slice candy, coconut, chopped dates, nuts, and grated orange peel.

Pour batter into a greased and floured tube pan.

Bake for 2 hours, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.