This week on What's Up Wednesday, Happy Birthday to Us, and a brand new item just in time for Mother's Day shopping.
It was on this day, April 8, 1972, that 13 balloons gathered at Coronado Center in Albuquerque to celebrate the 50th birthday of radio station KOB. Sid Cutter organized the balloon gathering that attracted more than 20,000 people. The tremendous success of that event led to Albuquerque being selected to hold the First World Hot Air Balloon Championship the next year. And here we are today, 54 years later, remembering that first gathering that is now considered the first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. To celebrate, we have a birthday gift for you. Read on.
On this balloon holiday of sorts, we're introducing a brand new item to the store. Celebrate Balloon Fiesta style with our new retro blue Spirit Jersey®, created through a special collaboration with the iconic Spirit Jersey® brand—known for its signature oversized fit, premium feel, and standout designs. This exclusive piece blends that unmistakable Spirit Jersey® comfort with Balloon Fiesta flair, featuring the official merchandise logo on the chest, bold puff “Balloon Fiesta” lettering across the back, and glittery balloon and floral details down both sleeves. It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the Balloon Fiesta fan in your life, or just order it for yourself.
And here's the birthday gift offer. Order within the next 7 days and you’ll receive a special Balloon Fiesta birthday mystery gift with your purchase!
Finally, remember that tickets to Balloon Fiesta 2026 are now available. Purchase your General Admission tickets directly from Balloon Fiesta Stuff to get physical tickets, great to keep as a souvenir, without the additional credit card and processing fees. Please note that those tickets are still at the printer, meaning they are not yet available in the gift shop, and online orders will be shipped when the tickets arrive. However, since General Admission tickets never sell out, you don't have to worry about obtaining them quickly.