The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is adding a nostalgic touch to this year’s festivities with a new line of collector pins that honor the 100th anniversary of Route 66. More than 200 designs have been created, each drawing on the iconic highway’s neon signage, classic automobiles and the desert landscape that frames the world‑renowned balloon show.
Design inspiration rooted in New Mexico heritage
“The theme this year is the scenic route, and it’s awesome,” said local artist and pin designer Peyton Spellacy. Diane Karlsson, the designer behind the collection, explained that the artwork reflects the feeling of cruising historic asphalt, stopping at Route 66‑style motels, diners and neon‑lit storefronts. “We went for the road, the signage, the food, the hotels,” Karlsson said, noting that each pin captures a different moment of the journey – some set at night with glowing signs, others bathed in daylight.
In addition to the highway motifs, the pins incorporate the Balloon Fiesta’s signature sky. “Most of them have a roadrunner on there somewhere,” Karlsson added, tying the iconic New Mexico bird to the soaring balloons that fill the Albuquerque sky each October.
Trading days give collectors a chance to connect
The pins will be sold throughout the Balloon Fiesta, with two dedicated trading days scheduled for the first Sunday and second Saturday of the event. Attendees can also participate in pin‑trading sessions on the north end of the field, providing a social hub for hobbyists and families alike.
Collectors and balloon enthusiasts alike are expected to flock to the booths, drawn by the blend of aviation wonder and Route 66 nostalgia. The pins serve as a tangible reminder of the historic highway’s influence on Albuquerque’s culture and the broader American road‑trip mythos.
Community impact and local pride
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the pins highlight the partnership between the Balloon Fiesta and local businesses that line the historic route. By showcasing neon signs and classic car imagery, the designs celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that has long defined Albuquerque’s downtown corridor.
“Route 66 is a huge part of Albuquerque and a huge part of New Mexico, and I think people are going to just have a lot of fun with it,” Karlsson said. The pins are expected to boost souvenir sales, supporting the Fiesta’s nonprofit mission and providing additional funding for future community events.
Where to find the pins
Visitors can purchase the pins at the official Balloon Fiesta merchandise tent, located near the main launch field. Prices vary by design, and limited‑edition pieces are expected to sell out quickly. For those who miss the trading days, a selection of the most popular pins will remain available for purchase throughout the festival’s duration.
With the centennial of Route 66 serving as a backdrop, the 2026 Balloon Fiesta promises a blend of sky‑high spectacle and ground‑level heritage, offering both longtime balloon fans and newcomers a unique way to commemorate a historic American roadway.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
