This week on What's Up Wednesday, a look behind the scenes at a couple of the products currently in production, an update on this year's official poster and a look ahead at some important dates.
Nine weeks ago, on What's Up Wednesday #155, we told you about this year's magnet and keychain designs and some new photo frames. This week, we're going to share the progress of some of those products.
It's interesting to think about the steps involved in the process of creating these items for you. First is the concept and design. The design includes recessed areas where the paint will be applied. The design is cut using a stamping die. The cut pieces are cleaned to remove dust, oils, and debris.
The paint is applied into the recessed areas using an automated dispensing system. Check out the picture of a keychain at this step of the process. Different colors are added in separate steps..
Next up, the paint is cured using air drying, heat, or UV light, depending on the type of paint or enamel used. Here are pictures of one of the magnet charms and the picture frame still in the drying rack.
Then the product is cleaned, polished and a protective clear coat added for durability. Some products will require assembly, ie, attaching the charms to the main magnet, the chain to the keyring. They are then inspected, packaged, and put on a boat to us. When we get them, we double check the quality and quantity, label them, enter them in our system, and make them available for purchase. No wonder it's a 4-5 month process. We expect these items to be available for purchase in the May timeframe.
The 2025 poster design has been chosen. This year's artist is Jason Valencia. This Algodones Pueblo artist's design features balloons in a native American design. We're now in the process of turning his painting into a serigraph print. We'll have more on this item as we approach the July release of the poster. By the way, if you're an artist or know of an artist that would be interested in being considered to create the 2026 poster design, just send us an email with contact information. There is no longer a design submission process. We have switched to requesting designs from a handful of pre-selected artists.
We're quickly approaching the 200 day mark, and shortly after that comes April 4th, which is the 6 month mark. That's the day that tickets to everything go on sale. Mark your calendar now. We'll be giving you more information in the next 3 weeks about how to prepare for the ticket release.
Finally, while we monitor the production process, and await actual delivery of all the new products, remember that we have a lot of merchandise still available, with most of it available at sale prices. And those trivets, coasters and jar openers we told you about last week, we've ordered more and hope to have them restocked soon. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, spend a little green and pick up those magical Balloon Fiesta items.
As always, Thanks for your support of Balloon Fiesta and Balloon Fiesta Stuff.