Pezheads celebrate in Cleveland

CLEVELAND – International PEZ collectors are planning their 11th annual migration to Cleveland July 19-21 for PEZAMANIA, the world’s largest gathering of PEZ collectors.

Over 600 collectors are expected to spend the weekend buying, selling, showing off, and studying PEZ.

The event, the original and oldest convention of its kind in the world, is held every July in Cleveland.

There are PEZ raffles, games with PEZ prizes, and a PEZ auction featuring several items to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This unique extravaganza has attracted over 700 registrants who are traveling to Cleveland from as far away as Japan and Europe to meet with other collectors representing five countries and 33 states.

When and where. The convention will take place at the Holiday Inn in Independence and is open to the public July 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Early admission at 9:30 a.m. is $10, general admission at 10:30 a.m. is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12.

Walk-in convention registrants are welcome at the Holiday Inn Independence Thursday and Friday. Walk-in registration is $35 per person and includes admission to all events and collectible souvenirs.

PEZ history. PEZ, the candy was created in the 1930s as a breath mint and an alternative to smoking. The name PEZ is derived from the German word for peppermint, pfefferminz.

After World War II when PEZ was introduced to American consumers, character heads and fruit flavors were added. Since the American introduction in 1952, over 300 different types of dispensers have been sold with many different variations.

PEZ collectibles. The value of older PEZ dispensers has increased dramatically as PEZ has become a sought after baby boomer collectible. Some rare variations can sell for over $4,000.