Houston 24 Expo – Youth Activities

Houston 24 Youth Activities

Friday–Sunday, Hotel ZaZa | Piano Man Lounge

As the FOHBC typically does at national events, there was a concentrated effort to appeal to younger collectors as they are the future of our hobby. This year was no different, except we went a few steps further and included a dealer, Will Meysing, to specifically present, engage, and sell bottles and related items to children and young adults. We also had an educational display titled “Kids Digging Texas” by Grayson, Crosby and Lyla DeWolfe that was positioned strategically as you entered the showroom area. All displays were also carefully arranged (and protected) for viewing by children as they were asked to vote on their favorite display. As far as H24 merchandise, we had an abundance of H24 t-shirts in attractive designs in smaller sizes.

Houston 24 also provided Bottle Grab Bags for children ten and under during the VIP, early and general admission hours of the Expo. Each colorful bag contained a locally or regionally found antique bottle, thanks to Brandon DeWolfe. Children were attended to at FOHBC H24 tables at the Piano Man Lounge, where they selected and opened their bags. Gina Pellegrini-Ott, event photographer, took many excellent photographs of the child opening the bag, with Bella Meyer, youth coordinator.

We also encouraged children and young adults from ages eight and up to participate in an organized Bottle & Glass Bingo Scavenger Hunt during the same Expo hours. The H24 team prepared a Bingo card defining specific items the participants would seek out without purchasing. Participants could work in small teams, although the rules allowed individuals (adults) to participate. The goal was to find all or most items on the card. You would then redeem the card at the H24 tables for a sticker or nominal prize. It sure was fun watching this activity, and I know the dealers loved it. Having a younger crowd at all bottle shows is essential if we want our hobby to thrive and grow.

Bella Meyer, FOHBC youth ambassador and H24 youth coordinator. Posing next to bottle grab bags she coordinated.

The first “interactive” display as you enter the Phantom Ballroom Prefunction area was “Kids Digging Texas.” Almost like a lemonade stand! Grayson, Crosby and Lyla DeWolfe.