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.

Opening bottle grab bags was always an opportunity to get some great pictures.

Joshua Cedillo and Bandit. Jason was a dealer help his grandpa Brad Dalton.

Lyla DeWolfe at the “Kids Digging Texas” display. Posing next to her picture.

Children approaching the “Kids Digging Texas” display.

Fun at the Dinosaurs Banquet.

Grayson DeWolfe at his dealer table.

Grayson DeWolfe adorned with his H24 lanyard, and displayer medallion.

Happy with his new bottle.

Clayton Migl set up as his dealer table with Jay Kasper.

Grayson and Tessa DeWolfe. Grayson could not be more excited and was a fixture and poster child of H24.

Navigating the crowd. It must look different from down there.

Bella Meyer & Seth Wargo

Uh oh!


Read the Houston 24 Souvenir Program

Read the Antique Bottle & Glass Collector (Nov–Dec 2024 feature article post H24)


See these other Houston 24 Posts

Houston 24 – Peachridge “Glass in the Grass” | Exterior

Houston 24 – Peachridge “Glass in the Grass” | Interior

Houston 24 – FOHBC Bi-Annual Board Meeting | Hotel ZaZa

Houston 24 – American Antique Glass Masterpieces Exhibition Opening

Houston 24 – Wilber-Gugliotti Barber Bottle Collection Exhibition Opening

Houston 24 – Texas Hold ‘Em Antique Bottle & Glass Competition

Houston 24 Expo – FOHBC General Membership Breakfast Meeting

Houston 24 Expo – Educational Seminars

Houston 24 Expo – Early Admission

Houston 24 Expo – Dinosaurs Banquet

Houston 24 Displays – Educational Displays

Houston 24 Expo – Virtual Museum Imaging

Houston 24 Expo – Bayou City Sunset Auction