PEZ-Lovers try to break record in Myrtle Beach

For the ninth year in a row, PEZ-lovers from across the country have come to Myrtle Beach to celebrate their love and appreciation for the little, novelty candy dispensers.

The “PEZ in the Sun” gathering is being held at the Springmaid Beach Resort Nov. 5-7. It started at 10:00 a.m. Thursday.

A highlight will be a new event for the 2009 convention will be an attempt to have the “Largest PEZ Display.” Each person attending was asked to bring 20 of their PEZ dispensers so they can be put on the display made by displaypals.com. The official count of how many PEZ dispensers are at the convention will be at Noon on Sat., Nov. 7.

Other events on the agenda include a “PEZ-swap”, where collectors can trade their dispensers with others. Attendees can also watch “PEZHeads the Movie” and watch the PEZ Car Drag Races.

The official PEZ website says the colorful candy-filled dispensers have been in America for nearly 50 years, but first gained popularity in Austria nearly 70 years ago.

It says more than 3-billion tiny, rectangle PEZ candies are consumed each year, in the U.S. alone. PEZ dispensers are available in more than 60 countries world-wide.

“PEZ in the Sun” is meeting in the Palmetto Building of the Springmaid Beach Resort.