Pezylvania has returned to Renninger's Antique and Farmer's Market. Ralph Riovo, founder of PEZylvania, held the first PEZylvania gathering in October of 2007. After his passing in 2012, the gathering took a little break but it is back now as strong as ever. Visiting this small gathering of PEZHeads is a great way to spend a fall day in Berks County, PA. The event also raises funds for the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Inc (ARL).
PEZ-zy friends from all over the northeast were in attendance. We arrived shortly after the gathering opened and as you can see it was full of shoppers!
Lots of vendors assembled in the gathering room at the back of the market. Some of our favorites, including Rick Marlowe & his wife Sue, John Laspina, Joe, Ruth, and Ron Jones all had tables filled with PEZ items for sale. Lots of new PEZ, as well as vintage PEZ could be purchased. My vintage PEZ purchase of the day was a Captain America!
Once you've gotten all the PEZ you want, take a walk around The Renninger Market, which has been around since 1955. In 1974 they expanded the market to make room for more vendors. Aside from "The Purple Cow" which is a PEZ shop, you can find antiques, toys and all sorts of brik-a-brak at the Market. You are always sure to find local goodies - bring a cooler, lots of fresh meats, vegetables and prepared foods are available as well. Our favorite is lunch from the pretzel stand - they stuff pretzel dough with yummy fillings, like buffalo chicken or steak and cheese.
Be sure to put it on your calendar next year, maybe we'll see you!