In a recent decision by the Sahuarita Town Council, the annual Spooktacular event has been discontinued. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to address budget and resource constraints and focus on the continued growth of Sahuarita signature events – Fiesta Sahuarita, Sahuarita Stars & Stripes, and Winterfest.

The Parks and Recreation Department has faced the challenge of delivering the Spooktacular event at a level consistent with community expectations while working with only 40% of the budget allocated to other signature events. This financial strain, coupled with the growing scale of Spooktacular, has necessitated increased staff and funding. After a thorough evaluation, the Town Council determined that these critical resources could be more effectively utilized elsewhere.

“Sahuarita is proud to host three beloved signature events – Fiesta Sahuarita, Sahuarita Stars & Stripes, and Winterfest,” said Mayor Tom Murphy. “These events continue to grow, and to meet our community’s expectations, we needed to make this difficult decision to devote resources to their success. By doing so, we ensure that these events remain vibrant and impactful for everyone.”

The overlap in planning and execution for Winterfest and Spooktacular has placed significant strain on essential town services, including police, fire, public works, and grounds maintenance. This overlap occurs during one of the busiest seasons of the year for town operations, further highlighting the need to reallocate resources.

While Spooktacular will no longer take place, the Town is actively exploring alternative fall programming that aligns with its original goal of providing safe, family-friendly activities. The Parks and Recreation Department is in conversation with community groups to develop options that alleviate pressure on Town resources during the busy season.

“We want to hear from our residents about what types of fall programs would best meet their needs,” said Parks and Recreation Director Devin Stalder. “Our goal is to continue offering safe and engaging activities for families, and community feedback is essential in shaping these alternatives.”

Residents are invited to participate in a short survey to share ideas about fall programming. Your input will play a vital role in designing programs that reflect the community’s needs and interests. 

Take the survey here: https://airtable.com/appUhOIrXjxSxxKBo/pagskppTHt0plYaQB/form

Visit SahuaritaParksandRec.org to learn more about programs and events in Sahuarita!