The 'Pezheads' are coming (to Cleveland)!
Published: Oct 7, 2009
When Linda Gliha attended a New York antique show 15 years ago, she didn't plan on buying anything. After all, it was her husband who had dragged her to the Rochester market so he could browse through old electric trains and accessories, which he collected at the time.
But amongst the rows and rows of antique-toy laden tables was a jewel that caught Gliha's eye — a vintage candy dispenser from the late 1950s. The PEZ brand dispenser displayed a face that Linda remembered from the cartoons she used to watch as a child: Popeye the Sailor Man.
Gliha purchased the dispenser for $55 that day.
After that, it was Linda Gliha who dragged husband John out to trade and antique shows as she searched endlessly for rare and unique PEZ dispensers to add to her small collection.
Of course, it didn't stay small for long.
“Linda has thousands of PEZ now,” John Gliha said. “She's got several-hundred of the vintage ones — the expensive ones.”
Linda Gliha says the most expensive PEZ dispenser in her current collection is worth about $2,400.
In addition to collecting PEZ, the Glihas also host the “Pezamania” convention, which is held annually in Independence.
This year marks the nineteenth anniversary of the popular PEZ convention, and the Glihas say it will be bigger and better than ever.
With dealers from all over the globe, collectors and visitors alike have the chance to view tens of thousands the candy dispensers that are a hit throughout the world.
“Basically, anyone who attends is going to see more PEZ dispensers in one room than they've ever seen in their life,” Linda Gliha said. “And if you register, you can get a special T-shirt, dispenser and other cool items.”
This year's Pezamania convention will be July 16 – 18, with unregistered visitors welcome on Saturday, July 17.
The convention sees about 400 registrants each year, but the actual convention hosts thousands.
“Kids really love PEZ, so it makes for a really neat family outing,” Linda Gliha said.
In addition to the dealers, the Pezamania convention features raffles, auctions, games and informational seminars. A restaurant is available on-site for hungry guests (along with lots of PEZ candy, of course.)
The fun is for a good cause, too. Some of the proceeds will go to assist injured and sick animals by way of the Animal Rescue Fund in Amelia, Ohio.
While children are drawn to PEZ because of the sweet treat these dispensers contain, adults seem to be drawn to the dispensers because it allows them to reminisce about their childhoods and remember the “good old days”.
“Everyone loves PEZ,” Linda Gliha said. “They're so happy and colorful — you just can't help but get a big smile on your face when you see one.”
For more information on the Cleveland Pezamania convention, or to register to attend, click here.
- by LeeAnn Mullen, Cleveland Reporter for HelloMetro
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