One of the first activities on tap for our Family Correspondents this week was hosting an impromptu Pin Stop at the Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver. They were laden with new Petro-Canada Olympic pins to trade.
The day was clear and dry, and pin-traders (affectionately known as "pin heads") were out in full force.
The FC's shared some of their favourite moments and pin trades from the day:
Anne-Marie says that her fav trade was with two young brothers from the US. "I traded for a US goalie mask and a US flag. They were very nice boys - about 6 & 8 years old."
Rob told us, "I was able to pick this pin off of a tray of pins from what I would say was an experienced pin trader! She wanted a Quatchi pin and I thought of my dad instantly when I saw the leafs pin! Had to have it!"
Denis had a great moment with some family members of Canadian Gold Medalist, Alexandre Bilodeau. "My favorite part about the Pin Trading event was when I met Frédéric Bilodeau and his dad, Serge. This was the day after Alexandre had won Gold and everyone was still buzzing. The Bilodeaus were like rock stars and everyone had learned about the inspirational story of Frédéric. I had my leg brace on when I went over to Frédéric and said that I loved skiing and to do tricks. Then I pointed at my knee and said I would not be able to do the same things Alexandre does. In French, Frédéric said, from his wheelchair, 'I also have a little difficulty skiing'."
Denis continues, "My favorite pin is the Torch bearer pin. I had to trade two medals for it. But afterward I was offered 10 pins for it from all kinds of previous Olympics - which I declined. It was only offered to those who were Torch bearers. Very cool and unusual."
Rob gets in on the pin-tradin' action!
Now for those of you who couldn't make it down to the Petro-Canada Pin Stop, we'd still like to offer you an opportunity to snag a pin. Just leave a comment on this post (make sure you have a valid email address - it's our only way to get in touch with you - but don't worry, it's not made public) and tell us your fav pin story - maybe how you got involved in pin trading or what your best trade has been. We'll select a random recipient from the comments. Oh, and if your comment doesn't publish right away, don't worry - they are all held in a queue for moderation.
So share your best pin trading stories with us! But do it soon! We'll close the comments on Thursday, Feb 25, 2010 at 9PM Pacific Time.
Update Feb 27: We've selected our random pin winner from the comments - Stella W. from Vancouver! Congrats, Stella - we'll get your pin out in the mail to you right away. Go, Canada!
go canada!!
Posted by: jamiecasicas | February 19, 2010 at 05:03 PM
I am leaving for Vancouver on Feb. 23rd. I am hoping to meet up with lots of pin traders. My daughter and I both volunteered with the summer 2009 Canada Games here in PEI and we got totally addicted! Hope to see you there!
Posted by: Cheri Gallant | February 19, 2010 at 04:59 PM
I discovered the Olympic pin craze late December. An idea popped into my head to find out all I can about it! I came across a few sites that basically advised me to contact sponsors. I got at first just a few, but in just 2 months I have recieved almost 40 pins! I haven't been to an Olympics yet, but if I do, I know exactly where to go first!
Posted by: Daniel S | February 19, 2010 at 04:52 PM
Great pics especially of the pins
Posted by: Albert mallette | February 19, 2010 at 04:22 PM
Great idea - hope I win one!
Posted by: Flo | February 19, 2010 at 04:21 PM
I've met so many interesting people pin trading! There's a real community out there and they're always looking to hook new traders. It's so easy to get caught up in the fever when you're around passionate traders! Mascot pins are my favorite so I'm always on the lookout to build my collection. I managed to snag a few this morning!
Posted by: Tasha B. | February 19, 2010 at 04:12 PM
Each year my email discussion group has done a Christmas Ornament exchange, this year I included an Olympic pin with my parcels, one going to the US and one going to Australia. Both my recipients were totally stoked about receiving an Official 2010 Winter Olympics Pin. My US friend got the pin with the Hanging baskets from Victoria and my Aussie friend got the Canada/Aussie Flag pin. :) I've loved sharing my pins with my friends over the past year. No trading involved....just a Random Act of Kindness on my part. :)
Posted by: Christine Buchanan | February 19, 2010 at 03:53 PM
Loving the pin trading community, just got exposed to it during the Vancouver games and its amazing how many types there are and how people get exicted over it.
Great way to meet people and get neat collectibles, I would love a Petro Canada pin for my collection. Best experience has been chatting with people who have been to numerous olympic games just for the pins.
Posted by: Jeremy V | February 19, 2010 at 12:45 PM
"My name is Elena, and I am seven years old. I like pin trading because it shows about different sports, and I get to talk to different people about their pins and where they're from. You can make new friends with your pins!
My mummy's friends came to visit to see the Olympics, and they like pin-trading. Stephen showed me all his pins, and I hope I have that many someday! I have so many pins now, I think I might need another lanyard.
My favourite pin is a pin that has a flag of Russia and a flag of Canada. I like it because Canada is where my home is, and Russia is where I was born."
From,
Elena
Posted by: Jennifer Wah | February 19, 2010 at 12:25 PM