Route 66 Centennial Inspires 200 Custom Pins for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has unveiled its 200-plus pin collection for the upcoming event, featuring designs centered on the centennial of Route 66.
Commemorating a Highway Milestone
The 2025 event adopts “the scenic route” as its overarching motif. Diane Karlsson, the designer behind this year’s pin collection, stated that the highway’s physical landmarks drove the creative direction.
“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. Her process involved translating the atmosphere of vintage motels, diners, and illuminated signage into wearable keepsakes. “We tried to transfer that feeling to each of the different pin designs,” she noted.
Featuring Regional Motifs and Roadrunners
“The theme this year is the scenic route, and it’s awesome,” Spellacy said. The extensive catalog includes more than 200 unique variations. Some pieces depict nocturnal highway scenes bathed in colored neon, while others capture daytime balloon flights over southwest terrain. “Most of them have a roadrunner on there somewhere,” Karlsson added.
Schedule for Collector Trading Days
Collectors and attendees can acquire the centennial pins throughout the duration of the Balloon Fiesta. Official pin-trading sessions are scheduled for the north end of the launch field on two specific dates: the first Sunday and the second Saturday of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
* When do the designated pin-trading events take place?
Trading sessions are scheduled on the north end of the field for the first Sunday and second Saturday of the Balloon Fiesta.
* Who created the visual concepts for the centennial collection?
Diane Karlsson developed the designs, incorporating elements from Route 66 motels, diners, and neon signage.
* How many distinct pin designs are available for collectors?
The collection features more than 200 different pins, incorporating day and night settings alongside regional wildlife motifs.
Worth a look