There’s something special about watching a community show up for its kids.

This spring, the Town of Sahuarita Parks & Recreation Department is doing exactly that. They’re inviting young artists across Sahuarita, grades K through 12, to take part in the 2026 Fiesta Sahuarita Art Design Contest. This year’s theme is “Spike Explores Sahuarita.” If you’ve seen Spike, you know him. The friendly saguaro cactus mascot who shows up at events, camps, and celebrations all year long. Now, it’s time for local students to imagine where Spike goes next.


Does he explore Anamax Park?

Does he drop by the Green Valley Sahuarita Visitor Center?
Hang out at the Sahuarita Library?
Cool off at the splash pad?
Join Camp Sahuarita or Winterfest?

The canvas is wide open, and so is the imagination.


At the Chamber, we believe strong communities are built on connections between families, schools, businesses, and local organizations. Events like this remind us that creativity is part of economic vitality. When we invest in young people, we invest in Sahuarita's future. And this isn’t just a drawing that gets pinned to a bulletin board.

Winning designs will be turned into limited-edition Spike Trading Cards that will be handed out at Fiesta Sahuarita 2026. Even more exciting is that one design will be selected to appear in the Fiesta Sahuarita drone show, lighting up the sky above our town. Imagine seeing your artwork transformed into something that floats above thousands of neighbors.


A Community That Cheers for Its Kids

This makes Sahuarita special. Our Parks & Recreation team doesn’t just host events, they create experiences. They give kids a chance to participate, to be seen, to feel proud of something they made. As a Chamber, we’re proud to amplify opportunities like this. When families engage, when students create, when local celebrations reflect local talent, that’s community building at its best.


If you have a young artist in your life, encourage them to enter.

If you’re a teacher, share this with your classroom.

If you’re a business owner, help spread the word.

Let’s fill Fiesta Sahuarita with art created right here at home.


How to Enter

Students in grades K–12 can find contest details and submission requirements here:

https://www.sahuaritaparksandrec.org/art-contest

Entries close March 22, 2026.


We can’t wait to see where Spike explores next, and to celebrate the creativity growing right here in Sahuarita.

Back-to-School: Southwest Gas Partners with Schools, Colleges, and Nonprofits to Open Doors for the Next Generation

September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
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