Fiesta Sahuarita this weekend will celebrate the town's 13th anniversary.
Like the town, the annual celebration has experienced rapid growth over the years.
"We're expecting up to 6,000 people this year," said Mario Orosco, the town's recreation-center coordinator. "We had about 5,000 last year.
"Every year's gotten bigger and better."
Fiesta Sahuarita marks the anniversary of the town's incorporation in September 1994. A year later, Sahuarita's population stood at 2,100, said town spokeswoman Barbara Dolan.
By 2000, there were 3,242 residents in the town, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2006, that number had increased to 13,027.
Dolan put the current number of Sahuarita residents at about 20,000, saying the estimate is largely based on the number of building permits issued in the area.
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Saturday's free celebration at Anamax Park aims to bring together residents as a way to unify the community, Orosco said.
Most of the vendors, who will sell food and arts and crafts at the event, are from Sahuarita, he said.
As in previous years, there will be live music and other entertainment.
"We're going to have a petting zoo," Orosco said. "We've got a bigger tent area; we're adding a second stage."
All the activities for children and adults are free.
A highlight of the event will arrive at 2 p.m.
"We're going to have Spike; he's the official Super Bowl mascot," Orosco said. "He'll present an official football to the mayor."
Spike's stop in Sahuarita is part of the mascot's plans to visit 42 communities in Arizona before Super Bowl XLII comes to Glendale in February.
"Spike will be here for an hour," Orosco said.
A free shuttle will transport people to and from the fiesta. Churches around the park offer plenty of free parking, Orosco said. No pets are allowed.
If you go box
• What: Fiesta Sahuarita
• When: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2-8 p.m.
• Where: Anamax Park, 17501 S. La Cañada Drive
• More information: 625-2731
