Time to Win Winners!

BIG Congratulations to our Winners!!! 

Brian's Report from the Kleinmuenchen Gathering!

Brian's Report from the Kleinmuenchen Gathering!! 

Thanks for Letting us share it Brian!!

Hey guys, here is my Kleinmuenchen Gathering report. Sorry to my German-speaking friends, this time just in English :-)

What a trip! I had told Guenter a month ago that I was going to Germany for work in June, and that I was planning on coming to Linz for his gathering. I asked Guenter to keep it a secret, because I wanted to surprise everyone when I showed up unannounced and said "hey guys, how's it going!" He agreed, and the plan was set in motion... As it turns out, my work trip was cancelled about a week before I was supposed to leave, but I still went to Europe anyways... You can't keep a PEZHead away from the PEZ!!!

I arrived in Frankfurt, Germany on Wednesday and spent my time there looking around the supermarkets for any new dispensers and candy. It was cool to see the new Euro Finding Dory, Angry Birds, and Batman/Superman on short cards in the stores. Aldi had the new round candy tablets that PEZ makes for the Aldi private label brand, so I scooped up some of those. The supermarket Rewe had the PEZ-branded round candies in the new cassis flavor as well. Jackpot! After walking around for a while it was time to catch up on my sleep and get rid of the jet lag. Had to be refreshed for my arrival the next day in Austria!

On Thursday morning I flew to Vienna and drove my rental car a few hours to Linz. Along the way I stopped at a few Spar and Hofer supermarkets. Hofer has carded refill packs, instead of the traditional long single row of packs on a blister card, they were double packed on a shorter card. I had never seen them before, so I had to pick some up! They had different flavors and card colors so i bought all the different ones I could find.

I got to the hotel at 2pm and checked in. What a nice hotel! I found Guenter right away, and headed to the courtyard cafe where the guests who had already arrived were enjoying a cold beer while the sun was beating down. As I walked in I was greeted by a lot of surprised smiles as they said "Brian!!! What are you doing here?" The surprise worked! After chatting for a bit Guenter asked me if I wanted to see the PEZ headquarters. I couldn't say yes fast enough! We drove over and I was instantly in awe. Seeing the PEZ logo on the building brought an instant smile to my face. We took some pictures outside, and headed into the lobby. Inside they have several cabinets with different dispensers on display. There's also a tall wall with many ads/paintings of PEZ girls and other marketing characters. So cool to see! There's also a giant silver glow in the lobby, definitely another photo op! After we got some pictures we thanked the nice lady at reception for allowing us inside, and headed back to the car.

The next stop was at Guenter's house to take a look at his collection. He has some unbelievable pieces! And a lot of paper / marketing items. A man after my own heart :-) After chatting with his lovely wife and discussing PEZ while relaxing outside on the balcony, it was time to head back to the hotel. Guenter, thank you for opening your home to me and showing me your collection, it was great!

The rest of the day was spent room hopping, drinking, eating delicious Austrian food (of course when in Austria you have to eat Wiener Schnitzel! And in case you never knew, Wiener actually means Viennese in German) and chatting with other fantastic collectors. There were many familiar faces (whom I had met last year at the Vienna VIP Gathering), and some new friendly faces as well. It was great to see Gerda Jahn there, the original PEZ girl herself. Always friendly and eager to talk to the collectors there. She's the greatest!

On Friday Guenter had arranged a factory tour for the entire group at the steel plant he worked at for many years. The first half was more historical / technical steel information inside their museum center. The second half was a tour inside the actual factories where the the steel was made. Who knew a PEZ trip could be so educational! It was very interesting to see.

After lunch (more schnitzel! I'll never say no) we headed back to the hotel and people had their rooms open for selling and trading. I brought with me a suitcase full of current US items that aren't available in Europe, both loose dispensers and various boxed sets, and all of it went very quickly. So glad I brought them! Although the cash didn't stay very long in my pockets, as it was my turn to do some major shopping. I found some old and new candy boxes, a few vintage regulars I didnt have, and some marketing/ paper items. And of course I love love love the Kleinmuenchen gathering dispenser, both the PEZ-made one and the set of 3 Guenter had made. Great job!

After dinner Silvia Biermayer invited me to her house to take a look at her collection. All I can say is wow.... I was able to see so many one of a kind things (dispensers, candy, paper items, displays, clothing... You name it, it was there!) which I'll probably never see again. Looking at her cabinets, I found the dispenser I was looking for... the original Admiral PEZ pal. Had to get a picture with it, and of course send a few teasing text messages to some friends telling them "guess what's coming home with me!!!" I hope most know I was joking (or am I?!?!?). Thank you Silvia for inviting me over, I really enjoyed going through your fantastic collection!

On Saturday morning a lot of us went to the Linz city center to go to the flea market. The center of Linz is absolutely beautiful and picturesque. Unfortunately no PEZ to be found at the "Flohmarkt" (hey I had a lot of competition!!!) but it was still a good time. After a few cold drinks at a cafe, we headed over to a wonderful Biergarten for a big group lunch. This time I tried the lamb goulash which was absolutely fantastic. Thanks Momo for the recommendation!

After lunch, Guenter had a cool excursion planned for us. The city of Traun (where PEZ is actually located) has a museum, and right now they have an exhibition on PEZ. What great timing! The curator there was very informative on the history of Traun, and knew quite a lot about PEZ. They had a working vintage vending machine that we got to try (and keep the candy), and had some items on display that I had never seen before. The giant Mickey dispenser rack was awesome! The curator had kept a binder of old newspaper clippings and PEZ photos over the years- that was really cool to look at!

After the museum it was time to head back to the hotel. A little more room hopping, drinking, eating, chatting... What PEZHeads do best. There was even a wedding party going on that evening at the hotel; it was neat to see some of their traditions and the differences between Austrian and American wedding receptions.

Sadly, it was time to say my goodbyes and go pack for my early 6am flight on Sunday morning. It was so great to see a lot of people there, and it warmed my heart that everyone asked about Porter and our wedding plans. They made me promise to bring him the next time we come. Done! The entire time I was greeted by the friendliest of people, some who knew me, some who did not, and no matter where i went, although I was the only American there, I always felt included and was continuously welcomed. Guenter, you did an amazing job my friend, and I can't wait until I'm able to come back.

Until next time, auf Wiedersehen, und vielen vielen Dank fuer die schoene Zeit!

-Brian "Youknowmyname" Jaskolski

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK...the fabulous Michigan PEZ Convention Dispenser...

 Are You Ready for Something Fabulous?

YES!!! Today is for sure a special day!! After we saw Silas's convention dispeners and now Jim Blaine's dispensers these custom Pez take convention Pez to a whole new level!!

Silas and Jim deserve full respect for their decision

to make something very special for all of us!
They both spent a lot of time and work

 to create their spectacular dispensers.
GUYS, WE LOVE YOU FOR YOUR CREATIVITY!!!

Before we share the very

FIRST LOOK

from the AMAZING Michigan PEZ Convention dispensers, we would like to

give you some facts about Jim, and his convention.

THE HOST: Jim Blaine
(Jim's personal website can be found here)

Jim has been a PEZ collector since 1999, currently, including his extras he has about 17,000 Pez dispensers total. (4000+ in his personal collection)

Dr. Skull PEZ Army which has exactly 1,331 Skulls!!! WOW!!!

Jim has been a Newsletter Superstar since January 2016, 
and he was voted for Facebook Pez Collector of the Month in February 2016. Jim is also founder of Dad2Mom.org where their mission is to bring low-cost clothing to families.

Jim says: PEZ has lead me to friends all over the world, to enjoy other cultures and other people. PEZ is a great way for people from all walks of life to come together. Not only to enjoy the art of collecting, but to learn from others, history, life lessons, and new things. 

The Convention:

The MI PEZ Convention will be held in Embassy Suites (Troy, Michigan)
850 Tower Dr Troy, MI 48098 from Thursday August 25th till Sunday August 28th,
4 days full of PEZ Action, from a Kids Pool Party, to a PEZ Swap & Candy Pack Trade Party, Games, Bean bag contest with 12 specially created custom boards to play on, Raffles and a chance to make your own Souvenir Michigan PEZ Convention Button. 
For more information please visit MIPEZCON.com OR
MICHIGAIN PEZ CONVENTION FACEBOOK GROUP

Fun Games for Everyone!!!

A new PEZPALZ CONTEST? YES stay tuned :) we are working with Jim on a nice contest!

The Convention Dispenser: These are so special! The center is magnetic and can be interchangeable with each other. The wonderful artworks/drawings came from Eddie Pez Hunter S.
 

The Colors:

Yellow

Convention dispenser 

this one comes in the attendee or absentee packet, unless you registered the first day, then you were upgraded 

Black & White

Early Registration dispenser
(anyone who registered the first day was upgraded from the yellow to this one) 

 

Green

Exclusive & Dealer Dispenser
(anyone who registers as a dealer for the
Michigan PEZ Convention will receive this dispenser)

Red

Charity Dispenser
(the proceeds of this dispenser goes to our charity
Camp Lake Louise, it is available for purchase at time of registration.) 

 

Blue 

Ultra Rare Dispenser
(There will be very few of these available & will be hard to obtain one) 

 

Rainbow or Multicolor 

Prize Dispenser
(These will be used as prize dispenser at the Michigan Pez Convention, and will
also be a challenge to get one if you do not attend the MI Pez convention)

 

The center is magnetic and can be interchangeable with each other.

The official PEZ Portugal 2016 Gathering Dispenser....

Here they are from Castelo Branco, PORTUGAL the 2016 gathering dispenser.

Today we are so happy to see the crystal yellow 

head lovey for the Pez Portugal gathering!!! 

 Our friend Luis who runs the PEZILLA is holding the gathering

 in Castelo Branco, Portugal June 18th & 19th. 

We have had many guesses on what color the stem would be 

(I guessed green) we are sure that everyone is having a

 great time at the event!!

The Ben Pakulski Pez is Real!!

Ben Pakulski 

is Creator of the Best Selling Mi40 Brand of Intelligent 
Muscle Building Programs according to his website

 http://www.benpakulski.com/ 

and looks like a guy you would not want to make mad! 

We saw these Pez pop up earlier in the year, and we immediately thought they had to be made by a 3D printer, but now we learn that they are official!!! 

These were made to help promote the new BCAA Chews. 

Collectors are starting to get these added to their collections and we now have close up pictures.

 

 

Photo: google images

Photos: google images

.

3rd Annual Portugal PEZ Gathering

Our Dearest Friend Luis M. is holding the 3rd annual Portugal Gathering on the 18 & 19th of June in Castelo Branco, Portugal.  Luis runs Pezilla a fun Pez blog with a beautiful artistic way of sharing news about Pez. We always look forward to reading Pezilla everyday.  Luis made Pez history in 2015 with the first colored crystal Puck ever made by Pez. A fun note is that the green tint on the ball & puck is the same green used for the green crystal Pez soft. A new Pez will be introduced at the gathering to celebrate the occasion, we are so excited to see the unveiling of the new gathering dispenser. Be sure to check back with us or Pezilla to see the official gathering dispenser for 2016!!
We wish you all a wonderful time :)

Photos: MoMoPez.com

Visit the Pezilla Blog HERE

Who is it? Pez contest Winners!

We have had lots of great guesses in our Who is it? contest! 

I myself had no idea what Pez it was when Ghosty wanted me to guess.  You all had some really great guesses, which included 

Brats, Bee, Agnes, Lucy, Pumpkin Guy, Nerdy Kitty,

 Emoji, Egg Baby, Charlie Brown & Kurin.  

In the end we learned that Ghosty used Candace from Phineas and Ferb 

to make his Michael Jackson Pez for the Finn Pez "Pimp my PEZ" competition. 

Thank You to all of you who entered!! 

Congratulations to our Winners!!! 

Pez Lip Balm Coming Soon

Coming soon to Europe is Pez Lip Balm!!!

 The packaging is so fun and colorful it’s simply stunning!!  

Flavors will include

 Strawberry vanilla 

Cola

Raspberry

Lemon

Peppermint

Grape 

Orange

Strawberry

 & Cherry

We hear that these will be heading to Claires & Primark stores in mid July and will be a must have for our collections!

google Images

Photos: MoMoPez.com

New 2016 French PEZ Soccerballs...

We love it when something new can be added to our collections :)

As we have reported in the past, now we have the first picture of the

new 2016 French PEZ Soccer Balls.

The dispenser are same like the 2012 French edition, with

blue, white, and red stems

(the color of the french flag)

with a NEW 2016 print on the stems.

Thank you Darwin Loucks for the picture :)

 According to our dear friend Fasterpez 80,000 were made from this set, and they are just starting to hit the french market! Just in time for the

2016 UEFA European Championship.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS PEZ...

WHAT ARE YOUR PETS DOING WHEN THEY ARE HOME ALONE??

The
Secret life of PeTs

A comedy movie about the lives our pets after we
leave for work & school each day. 
DUKE

MAX
CHLOE
& SNOWBALL 
Will be featured as PEZ!!

The Secret life of Pet's is the next BIG release for 

PEZ Candy USA and PEZ International

They will be hitting the store´s soon

Thanks to our Pezpal Brian J. for the picture

Duke, Max, Chloe, and Snowball from the Secret life of Pets

Here you can watch the great and fun movie trailer!

The movie will be hitting theaters July 8, 2016

thesecretlifeofpets.com

PEZ time with Shawn Peterson...

Our Interview with General Manager of the PEZ VC Shawn Peterson :)

How does a normal Shawn Peterson's day look like?
Hahahahaha, there is no such thing as a normal day-everyday is different.
That's what keeps it fun, you never know what the day may bring!


How do you keep your creative juices flowing on all of the demanding projects that you have to complete?
Sometimes it just happens,other times I have to work at it.
Creativity can be tough-you can't force it, it just has to develop on its own. I'm ALWAYS thinking about PEZ or the Visitor Center- trying to come up with a new activity, new product or new display.

Picture: PEZ Visitor Center Facebook page

I'm always trying to think of something fun & new to keep the VC fresh. The challenge is to come up with an idea that gets the most bang for the buck so to speak-looking for the right opportunity to do something different that adds to the experience.

 
Since you have been collecting a long time, what is your most favorite vintage pez and what is your favorite newer pez? Since you've been working for PEZ USA and know the process of getting a pez made.
What pez have you wished to be made?

The answer this this question has changed many times over the years. I really like the vintage dispensers. Several stand out as favorites, psychedelic hand, full body Santa and currently the Erie Specters. Favorite newer? I thought the Chicken Little dispenser was great, it had the look and detail of a vintage dispenser.
I would like to see the classic Cartoon PEZ Girl become a dispenser- not sure that would be ever happen as the market for the dispenser would be pretty small and certainly not something for tradition retail but maybe a special PEZ promo or VC item...


Would you love to be a part of a European PEZ gathering, and do you have a favorite oversea gathering dispenser?
I would like to go to them all! I couldn't pick a favorite, the only one I have been to date is Sylvia's gathering 7 or 8 years ago- they all look like fun.


With the social media channels, news, informations and pictures, are coming very fast to the collectors now, what do you think about this?
It̀'s certainly changed the hobby and has pros and cons. The pro-information now is easy to get, a quick Internet search or question to the collector community can tell you almost anything you want to know anytime you want it.
The con- it takes some of the unknown away and some of the excitement. My favorite time of collecting was when I first started and had no idea what was out there or what to look for. You had to go store to store to search blindly for something new- I miss that!


From a historical perspective and personal opinion, who has had the greatest influence on the PEZ brand and why?
Historically-it's arguable but I would Point to Curtis Allina or Fred Blum. Both were big decision makers in the early days of PEZ Arrival in the U.S.- I believe it was Curt's decision to put heads on the dispensers and that changed the company forever.

CURTIS ALLINA > read here more

Do you ever have any input into the design of new PEZ dispensers?

Yes, I have been involved in some meetings, made some suggestions and shared ideas over the years. It is always a collaborative effort and I'm always thrilled to be part of that process when possible.


Did you have any input in the new translucent stems on the "Finding Dory" dispensers?

Picture: PEZ Candy Inc.
 

Hmmm, the idea was suggested before it actually got done this year. :)


Where do you see PEZ going in 5,10,20 years?
Hard to say, hopefully still continuing to grow. As long as we remain true to the original dispenser, I think there will be continued interest and growth- there are still lots of opportunities!

Who is your new book geared towards?
The person with general interest in PEZ. We were approached by a publisher called History Press looking for a recommendation for an author to write a book about PEZ.
I had experience as an author so permission was given and I got to work. They wanted a book to tell the story of how PEZ became a brand and how it has evolved. The results of that effort will be published in August this year- it was designed to create the broadest appeal.
Many things collectors will already know, the idea is to get more people interested, hopefully get more people that want to start collecting :)

Does your new book cover PEZ at a "collector" level or just high level?
The new book is meant to appeal to the broadest audience. It's a departure from what I have done in the past-less pictures, more words. It's a more in depth narrative on the history of the company and how PEZ became a brand-an overview of collecting and collectors, the factory in Orange and how the VC came to be.

Can you share a reveal or two from the PEZ archives?
Can you tell us a story?
I wish there was a blockbuster but unfortunately most anything that was good is long gone. It's my job to preserve what we have and establish an archive going forward. There are some files, paperwork, photos, etc. The discovery in April of this year of the vintage items in an old file cabinet was huge. Another file cabinet from the same office had a few files relating to 80s space guns & the Colonel Sanders promo with KFC that never happened. There are still many contracts from the 60s and 70s for some of the classics like Bullwinkle, Green Hornet and many others. One of these days I'd like to read through them and digitize things for preservation.

If you did not work at the PEZ Visitor Center, what do you think you would be doing with your life, and where you would be working?

Good question, I really have no idea. I think I'm the luckiest guy to be doing what I am. I spent 20 years in the greeting card business working for Hallmark cards throughout that career, PEZ opened some doors for me. Just because of my collection and prior books, I got some opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise. If it wasn't for PEZ, I would probably be doing something with my hands that has a creative element to it-what exactly through I don't know.
I never had that 'ah-ha' moment realizing I want to be a _____ until the idea of working for PEZ came into my head. It was the first time I was really excited and knew what I wanted to do for work.



Now that you're working for PEZ, do you collect with the same enthusiasm as at the beginning or has it become a task more about your Job?
It has certainly changed my perspective but there is still an excitement about collecting. I think that says a lot- I live and breath PEZ all day, everyday and still have a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for collecting.

Do you maintain a separate collection from the one on display or do you get to swipe the company card when you want something new?
I have some things at home still but the core collection is the Visitor Center. Unfortunately, even with that much space, there are still some items that aren't on display because there isn't enough room so they are still packed away. I wish there was an expense report or credit card for adding vintage items but it is and remains my collection so anything that gets added is funded by me.

There has to be pros and cons to managing the PEZ VC...I believe you said one time that you are no longer allowed to buy and sell at conventions. Is this true? Has this been difficult to do? Would you consider that a "con" if so? What is the biggest "pro" for you?
I can buy and still do a regular basis, I no longer sell though. That part changed for me when I started working for PEZ. I used to be an active seller at conventions and had my own website for a while but anyone that is a dealer knows- it's a lot of work! I don't miss that part of it. It makes going to shows now much easier as I don't have tons of stuff to pack and move all the time. I just get to shop and visit without all the extra work. The biggest PRO to me in running the VC is the ability now to help promote PEZ and collecting.

I believe Aaron Lamay's Pony's are on display. Aside from your awesome collection how many other "donors" are there? Are you allowed to name them? Do they volunteer to have you display them or do you seek out the ones that are not in there?
Aaron (and few others) have graciously loaned some items to us for display- we have a special display case that we offer to anyone that would like to participate and try to rotate it as much as possible. The two exceptions to that case were the special Will & Kate set and the person that found the 2nd political donkey dispenser. Both items have since be returned to their owners. The collector case now displays the vintage items that were found in the file cabinet that had been locked and stored away for years. They are part of the PEZ archive- with the exception of 4 or 5 other items, all items on display are from my collection.

.

In writing this book, what was the most shocking piece of information you did not know before writing this book?


Picture from pezcollector.at

Shocking? Haha, I don't think anything was shocking- it's PEZ! I was surprised to find an original ad sheet for the advertising regulars that shows ordering options, accessory bases and pricing- I don't know if any collector has this sheet but I think it's pretty rare, maybe the only one.
I also found some purchase orders for the pineapple, pear and orange showing 10,000 of each were ordered but no explanation why 2 of the 3 are so difficult to find now.




What is the most sought after PEZ for the Visitor's Center?
I would like to locate the whereabouts of the JFK set and put it on display. I think we could get some good press coverage if that is ever found.

Picture: PEZ International
 

How many of the red PEZ boy were made???
1000

I would like to know if there will be a special dispenser included with the purchase of your new book?
Great Idea but unfortunately no.

Have you already searched all the Basement and closets in the PEZ Center, will you surprise us with new exceptional PEZ treasures?
I thought I had been though everything but that was proved wrong a couple of moths ago. I think there may still be a few nuggets that have yet to be discovered. That's what keeps it exciting, you just never know!

Huge Thank You to Shawn for taking the time to talk with us!!
Shawn's new book "PEZ from Austrian Invention to American Icon" Will be launching at the TerrifiCon, a Comic Book Convention at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT on August 19th, 20th, 21st 2016.

You can pre-order Shawn`s new book here:
Amazon Prime

A BIG Thank You to all of you who submitted questions for Shawn to us. The winner of the Pez Palz Pez is.... 

Great BIG Congratulations to Brian K.

Thank you Aaron Lamay, Eddie Santiago, Momo, and Hans (collector.at)

PEZ Int.

&

Shawn Peterson,

for the Pictures

10th Anniversary FINNPEZ...my report..

Before I started this post I asked myself if I should keep this report short and sweet or if it should be little more in detail. Since so much has happened I have ultimately decided to do a longer version and here we go - hope you will like it...

It was a date so many people had been looking forward to for long time.

The 10th Anniversary for FinnPez Gathering in Helsinki.

 

 On the 17th of March 2007 the first FinnPez Gathering took place with dozen participants (six collectors) at that time nobody suspected, that one day it would become the largest European PEZ event with 107 persons from 17 different countries!

http://www.finnpez.org/

With a lot of work, diligence and every time a super thoroughly organized event, Pirkka and Markku managed from year to year to attract more and more collectors from inland and abroad.

For me it was now the third time that I could participate, and it's been always fascinating to visit a great city, connected with people who share the same hobby, to see old and meet new friends, and of course to find one or other new PEZ dispenser for my collection.

My wife and I arrived on Wednesday around midnight with two full suitcases PEZ. Everyone who has attended the Finnpez Gathering once, knows how warmly you are welcomed and expected. From the first second you have arrived you get the feeling that you are a part of the FINNPez family. As it was very late and for Thursday full program was announced, we went to bed to get ready for the first official Finnpez day.

The first FinnPez day (Thursday)

started at 10am, a bus was waiting for us. We were able to choose in advance either a Helsinki shopping tour or a city sightseeing tour, and no matter which tour was chosen everyone was taken by bus into the town.
Marija, a Spanish-born woman, who grew up in England and due to the love moved to Finland was our tour guide. With joking and charm she gave us a lot of background info about the city, and the most beautiful sights.

It was a very nice and cozy city tour.

With Marija, Pirkka and Markku have booked for us a great and very professional tour guide. Against 14:00 the city tour was over, and everyone had enough time to explore the city on his own.

At this point I've to mention that also the return to the hotel was well thought-out, and we had three different pick-up times from the city center to the hotel.

After the dinner and although it was not announced as any official part of the gathering, some collectors opened their rooms for Room Hopping.

Many took advantage of the opportunity to stroll a little bit through the rooms and to take one or the other nice part.

I could buy a lot good stuff immediately in any room, but as I had only a certain budget I wanted rather to wait for Saturday.

On the second FINNPez day (Friday) we had again two organized tours.

The first tour was a visit of the famous finish sweets - company FAZER. We did not attend this tour as we went to the city to get a few gifts and to look for PEZ.

The second tour, I think all of us were very happy about, was about 3 pm to the toy museum at exhibition center in Espoo  Suomen Lelumuseo Hevosenkenkä. The toy museum hosts many old children toys. Every collector likes to see such a PEZ exhibition. Everything  moved in a good light, beautifully equipped with background information, and a lot of things inviting to make great photos.  I saw many nice things I still miss in my collection. :)

After the return from the museum, we went to work. We had the opportunity to prepare our sales table for Saturday. Most of us could not resist, to turn round and to have a first look on other sales tables. The evening ended in a relaxed atmosphere in the FinnPez lounge, with good music, and nice PEZ talks.

THE 10th FINNPEZ CONVENTION (Saturday)

the big day, the hall was full around 11 am.

Everyone waited anxiously for the opening speech of Pirrka and Marrkku and of course for the presentation of the new gathering dispenser. There were already some rumors about the dispenser but nobody knew exactly what it would be.

As the moment of revelation has arrived and the Finn-boys made it very exciting, as in the years before, we all knew it is going to be something great and special.

The FINNPez dispenser "Black Pearl"

 

At this point I want to say that I am very happy for the guys, and how important and cool it is, that PEZ International made an exception and supported the guys in celebrating the 10 year anniversary with this great dispenser.

After the presentation the sales were officially opened. There were really many sales tables and WOW a huge selection, from 50cent PEZ dispensers to a 2000 Euro PEZ owl,  different other Gathering dispensers, mini PEZ dispensers, vintage PEZ, promotional products, candies. For sure everyone could find some new pieces for his collectionIt went speedy ahead.

 

After the lunch the games started and the guys had a few cool ideas. The winnings of the FINNPEZ Lotto were as unique as on no Gathering in Europe before.

I hoped of course (like everyone else probably) on the Ring Master or Knight but also all the other prices were just awesome. Nevertheless I managed to get a great NE Gathering dispenser.

We continued with two estimating games and with the possibility to win some great Finnpez Gathering dispenser from the past.

Now was the time to announce the winner of the PIMP MY PEZ dispenser competition. There were really great and unusual creations. Kelle from the UK has obtained the grand prize with her great candies-tree-dispenser. Not a big surprise for everyone who knows her and her creativity. At least for me was clear from the beginning. (congrats again Kelle)

 

After all these games, enough time was left over for sales, trades or simply nice talks.

As a conclusion we had all together a dinner. Great after-FinnPez party followed with Fun & Karaoke in the foreground.

And this is how my report ends as there is a special slogan regarding

 the Finnpez after party 

At the end I’d like to thank Pirkka and Markku and their family, friends and helpers for bringing so many PEZ people together from all around the world. You guys did an amazing job! Thank you so much for a wonderful PEZ Time in Helsinki. <3

Thank you Paul, Momo, Kelle, and Robert for the pictures :)