Whidbey 12s are out in force for playoff season as Seattle Seahawks fans hope to buoy the team to a Super Bowl repeat with their vigorous show of support.

Seahawks mania that fired up fans is reigniting with two rallies planned this weekend, and businesses noting an increase in demand for team paraphernalia.

A Whidbey Island Sea Hawkers Booster Club rally is set for 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Deception Pass Bridge, another 2-4:30 p.m. at Louie-G’s Pizza

Proceeds from a raffle and airbrush booth at Louie-G’s will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County.

“We wanted to keep our donations local and we wanted to give it to something that wasn’t getting money on a regular basis, like something that is state funded,” explained Kiri Sanders, one of the event organizers.

Louie-G’s is also planning a town picture at 4 p.m. Everyone who shows up in their Seahawks gear is invited to be in the aerial photo.

“We’re just trying to get all the Seahawk fans that are local together and have a good time and show our support for the team that we all love,” Sanders said. “We thought that would be a good way to keep it local and show our support to our community here.”

Robyn Kolaitis, owner of Whidbey Party Store, said she is preparing for added business that Seahawks success will bring to her store.

“We’re stocked up already. We’re ready,” Kolaitis said. “We hope to see some parties this weekend.”

Kolatis said her store is ordering additional Seahawks-themed items for the coming weeks in anticipation of the football team’s continued advancement toward the big game.

“We actually sold out of green and blue balloons, the Seahawk balloons, the football balloons last year,” she said.

“Twelfth man flags just flew out the door.”

Many people wait until the last minute to place balloon orders, Kolatis said.

Last year, she and her two employees spent the entire Saturday before the Super Bowl filling balloon orders.

Last year was “crazy, fun and busy,” she said.

(Below: Photo by Kelly Pantoleon/Whidbey News-Times. A group of Seahawks fans walk toward the Coupeville Wharf during a rally held this past Sunday.)

Oak Harbor’s Albertson’s store also carries a supply of Seahawks gear. Manager Eugenia Jones said she’s noticed that sales of T-shirts and scarves is already picking up speed.

It’s not the case yet with the party supplies. She said many people wait until the last minute to buy those items.

The store, however, is ordering playoff gear and new National Football Conference championship gear.

“Last year was crazier than this year,” Jones said. “We couldn’t get the boxes open without people hovering around us.”

“I’m excited to see so many groups get into it again this year,” Kolaitis said.

Penny Perka, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County, beneficiary of Louie-G’s rally proceeds, said she is excited for the postseason games and what they mean for the community.

“I’m excited,” she said.

“I’m excited for the year. I like the idea that people are excited about the Seahawks and also, they’ve taken their excitement and … are supporting local charities and kids.”