What's Up Wednesday, June 12, 2024 #124

This week on What's Up Wednesday, the last of the 2024 retail pins are now available and a cool new 3D printed item. 

Each year Balloon Fiesta produces a ton of balloon pins. Our special shape pilots get a set of pins of their balloon to handout. Our 40+ Balloon Fiesta volunteer teams get a set for their group, and a certain level of Sponsors get pins with their company name on them. Only a handful of these nearly 200 pin designs are made available for sale. Over the past couple of weeks, we're released these pins to you, and today, the final ones are now available. 

The Public Safety pin always features a law enforcement badge theme and this year features a 5 pointed star with the words Public Safety in the middle. Like in previous years, the pin is individually numbered. 

The other pin we're releasing today isn't really a pin in the true sense of the word but more of a badge. The walking stick "pin" features a number of colorful balloons in flight, with the year 2024. With a slight curve to attach perfectly to your walking stick, it even comes with its own mounting screws. Because of the unique nature of this item we don't make a lot of them, but what we do have always sell out quickly. 

Now for something completely different. 3D printed balloons. One of the latest innovations in manufacturing is to "print" items. And we have developed a source for 3D printed balloons. We have them in 4 sizes, and features a striking iridescent finish that shimmers with a spectrum of colors when viewed from different angles. While all the sizes will stand nicely on a shelf or your desk, the mini version comes with a loop to hang it. Because of the uniqueness of the colors, we can't offer a choice of colors. We think you'll be more than pleased with the color we select for you. Of course, if you are in the Albuquerque area, you can drop into the Gift Shop and pick your favorite.

Finally today, we'd like to introduce our new Gift Shop manager, Jo-Anne Sears. Jo-Anne replaces Sharon St. John who served our Balloon Fiesta guests for more than 20 years and retired earlier this year. Jo-Anne is responsible for packing and shipping your online orders as well as serving all those shoppers who do visit the Gift Shop. Next time you call in or visit the Gift Shop, introduce yourself to Jo-Anne.

Thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff. See you next week.