Thousands enjoy 2009 Fiesta Sahuarita

People showed up in droves on Saturday to celebrate Sahuarita’s 15th birthday at Fiesta Sahuarita in Anamax Park.

The Parks & Recreation Department estimated attendance at between 5,000 and 6,000.

With a variety of contests, entertainment, activities, arts and crafts, toys, information booths, demonstrations, and food, the Fiesta had something for just about everyone.

Despite the heat, nearly 100 people participated in the 5K Race and the One Mile Family Fun Run. Cecilia Estrada of Rio Rico won Women’s Overall in the 5K Race with a time of 23:07. Robert Reynolds of Tucson won Men’s Overall with a time of 19:38.

At the request of attendees, an unjudged Race Walker category was added. Viisha Sedlak, a world class race walker who has competed in Olympic trials, gave a spontaneous race walking demonstration. (Results and photos: www.taggrun.com.)

On the entertainment side, Chuck Wagon & The Wheels from Tucson took requests, performing songs by artists such as Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. Cheerleaders, including the SHS Varsity, SHS Junior Varsity and Sahuarita All Stars, demonstrated team drills and tumbling. A corps de ballet comprised of 9-year-old students from the Sahuarita Dance Center danced to Tinkerbell’s signature song, “You Can Fly,” while attired in shimmering gold costumes.

“Engineer” Eric Jerez of the kiddie train compliments of Rancho Sahuarita, estimated that, by the time Fiesta was over, he would have made more than 50 trips around Anamax Park. And, throughout the day and into the evening, there were always children waiting in line to ride the ponies.

The climbing wall and jumping castle were in constant use by active youngsters. Gabriella Rosemach had a red heart painted on her cheek by the Fiesta face painters. Gabriella noted, however, “My favorite part of the Fiesta is eating.”

There were “celebrities” at the Fiesta, too. Dexter, horse mascot of the SHS Mustangs, made his way across the grassy fields of Anamax Park, as did the SHS Robotic Ad Box. Ronald McDonald performed magic tricks; and Grandpa Gardener informed young would-be gardeners of “what a seed needs to know.”

The Sahuarita Police Department’s K-9 officer, Matt Williams, and his dog, Rex, a Belgian Malinois double-certified by the National Canine Police Association in both apprehension and narcotics, demonstrated techniques for verbal and non-verbal communication between dog and handler. Rex also demonstrated the skills needed by a K-9 to be an effective member of the police team.

Winners of Skateboard Competition in various categories were Jesse Aldridge, Joey Aldridge, Keith Boline, Mickey Callan, Anthony Cokonis, Chris Moody, Liam Pace and Will Warrender. Vis Veres triumphed in the Battle of the Bands. Both events were sponsored by the Sahuarita Teen Advisory Council.

The many varieties of arts and crafts to be found at the Fiesta included Kim Cutman’s hand-crafted dolls and Brenda Arwood’s pottery of her own design. There was also jewelry, wooden toys, aprons made by hand, Christmas d/cor, and much more.

Throughout the day, food and drink were available, courtesy of Sertinos Coffee and Ice Cream, Twist & Shout ’50s Diner, La Placita, Domino’s Pizza and others. Plus, there were treats such as cotton candy, kettle corn, snow cones, lollipops, fudge brownies, and ice cream, along with the Optimist Club’s grilled sausage and other specialty items. And, of course, there was pie for the pie-eating contest.

Jeannie Applegate is a freelance writer in Sahuarita. Contact her at wordwizard@cox.net