This week on What's Up Wednesday, it's another Pin of the Month, the coveted Number 54 pins, and sadly, the last Pin Trading and Shopping Saturday before Balloon Fiesta 2026.
It's hard to believe we're already in June, the sixth month of the year, and just four months away from the start of the 2026 ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The good news is that it's time to release our next Pin of the Month.
The June pin screams, "Va-cay Baby!" Featuring "Beach Bound," the VW Bus special-shaped hot air balloon is already enjoying the beach life, complete with sunshine, sand, and a shade umbrella. Just a reminder, we have already sold out of some Pins of the Month and will not be receiving additional inventory. When we sell out, the pins are removed from the website, so if they're gone, they're gone.
Don't forget that the release of the Pin of the Month also means it's Pin Trading and Shopping Saturday. And it's the last Saturday to trade pins, pickup some special pin grab bags and just shop on a Saturday, until we get to September. Our Gift Shop will be open from 9:00 a.m. to noon this Saturday for all of the above and even to pick up orders you may have placed online for free instore pickup. But don't fret, Pin Trading returns during Balloon Fiesta 2026, with on-field pin trading scheduled for the first Sunday and the second Saturday. We hope to see you this Saturday.
Since we're releasing the Pin of the Month, let's stay with pins and tell you about the ever-popular Event Number pins. This year is event number 54, and the pins are available in Turquoise, Orange, and Blue Sky versions. These collectible pins are numbered and limited to 1,500 Orange, 1,000 Blue Sky, and 1,500 Turquoise editions. We've been producing these limited-edition number pins since event number 20.
You know it's pretty difficult to launch and retrieve a hot air balloon without a chase crew, and we like recognizing those important team members with their own pin. This year's design features the chase truck with crew members riding in the back. While that may not always be the preferred way to travel, it's certainly an iconic image in ballooning and makes for a fun pin design.
Insider Tip: Check out the next paragraph to find out how you can be among the first to see this year's Chase Crew T-shirt.
Finally, we're just one week away from the premiere of the Balloon Fiesta Live! Special Edition featuring all things Merchandise. Mark your calendar and bookmark BalloonFiestaLive.com for next Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. MDT to be among the first to watch. Hosts Art Lloyd Jr. and Ted Maes will be live in the chat room as the 2026 merchandise line is revealed. You'll even hear directly from members of the Merchandise Team. If you miss the live premiere, you can watch it on demand anytime at BalloonFiestaLive.com.
As always, thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.