First-Ever 'Scratch-And-Sniff' Postage Stamps To Debut In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — For a city that proudly bills itself as "weird," it's a perfect venue for this launch: Austin is poised to be the market launch for the upcoming release of the first-ever scratch-and-sniff stamps from the U.S. Postal Service.

The stamps depict a variety of frozen treats illustrated in bright colors reminiscent of summer. Ah, but here's the literal rub: When scratched, the stamps emit what postal service officials describe as “the sweet scent of summer.”

Ten varieties of the stamps will be available in sheets of 20, according to the postal service. Each stamp shows two types of pops on sticks, including some with two sticks the postal service helpfully suggests are "perfect for sharing."

The stamps will be released to the public next month at Thinkery, the children’s museum and activity center in the Mueller development at 1830 Simond Ave.

A ceremony is planned for the first day the stamps are issued at 6 p.m. on June 20, the day before the official first day of summer. Frozen treats will be provided by Steel City Pops, a popsicle purveyor that recently opened at 3001 Guadalupe St. where kids of all ages can always be seen on the outside patio area enjoying one of the array of Mexican-style treats offered there.

The designs, all of which depict two popsicles in a watercolor illustration, were the work of artist Margaret Berg, based in Santa Monica, Calif. For those wanting to watch the unveiling, the Postal Service will stream the dedication ceremony live on Facebook.

Spoiler alert: While the stamp images are different, their scratch-induced aroma will be the same for all of them. The secret scent is scheduled to be revealed the day of the dedication ceremony, and postal service officials have hinted at scents ranging from fruits (think orange and watermelon) to chocolate and root beer.

>>> Uppermost image via U.S. Postal Service, photo of Steel City Pops by Tony Cantù