This isn't going to be just another weekend for Bambino's on Genesee Street.

But owner Guillermo Salinas says he's ready for it. After all, Salinas has spent time in New York City, where the foot traffic is at a more-than-slightly higher level than a typical weekend in Auburn.

“I'm used to a crowd of people,” Salinas said Thursday.

He's likely to get a crowd Saturday, as downtown Auburn throws the first-ever Founders Day. Businesses like his that are near the festivities are getting prepared for a crowd that some have estimated could reach more than 20,000 people.

Some will be keeping special hours or offering special products to tap what is expected to be a surge of customers. Others are trying to warn their regular weekend customers about some of the inconveniences that will come with closed streets and limited parking options.

Salinas said his Italian restaurant will have extra staff and will set up tables and a booth on the sidewalk to sell fried dough and gelato. He's also catering a lunch at city hall, which will make the day a hectic one, he said.

“I hope it's going to be a fun day,” Salinas said.

Bambino's is not the only food service business expecting to change it up. Swaby's is advertising a special Founders Day breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., and Riverbend Coffee will be open.

Adam's Brooklyn Style Deli will be open late into the night to capitalize on the foot traffic. There will also likely be a special, Alaska-themed item on the menu, owner Adam Santana said.

Santana said he is looking forward to the extra guests in the deli, which opened in recent weeks.

“I'm hoping 3,000 people come in and out of here,” he said.

Organizers are expecting Founders Day to be an annual celebration of Auburn's history, with a new theme each year. The festivities include a parade in the morning, speeches, live music, drama, food and other activities. Portions of downtown will be closed to traffic all day.

This year's theme is the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood. William Seward, who lived in Auburn for much of his adult life, played a pivotal role in the country's purchase of Alaska while he served as secretary of state.

The event gained a higher profile last month when former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin announced she would be attending the event.

Daniel Schuster, executive director for the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District, said Thursday that the organization has been trying to keep downtown businesses informed about what to expect. But it can be difficult to pin down exactly how many visitors will come downtown.

“We're just trying to get the information to them as best as we can,” Schuster said.

While many downtown businesses are expecting bumps business, some are bracing their customers for what will likely be an inconvenience. At The Flower Shop on Genesee Street, customers are being encouraged to pick up Saturday orders early or be ready for a tough time, owner Michele DeAnthony said.

That may prove difficult for the local high schoolers who will be coming to pick up their flowers for prom, which is Saturday.

“I don't know what to expect,” DeAnthony said.

At Hairlooms, a salon on Genesee Street, Mary Ellen Ringwood had to juggle a bridal party scheduled for Saturday. Instead of doing their hair at the salon, she will have to move it to another location, she said.

“We're very excited for (Founders Day),” Ringwood said. “It's just not going to be easy on our clients.”

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.