Bonitafest 2021 will bring back a pair of popular South County events in September and retain one developed during last year’s pandemic.
This year’s events will kick off Friday evening, Sept. 17, with the Bonitafest Twilight Trail Parade. Equestrians, walkers and bicyclists with glow sticks and twinkling lights will launch from the Sunnyside Saddle Club Arena in Rohr Park at 6 p.m. Paraders will be greeted by a party in parking lot of the Bonita-Sunnyside Library with performances by local musical groups, snacks and giveaways.
Bonitafest takes to the streets Saturday, Sept. 18 with the Bonitafest Car Parade. Families and friends who wish to celebrate graduations, weddings and other milestones are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and meet up at 9 a.m. at the Sweetwater Community Church parking lot. The parade rolls out on a 13.1-mile route through Bonita and Sunnyside at 10 a.m. It will be led by the Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Department and San Diego County Sheriffs.
The 44th Annual Bonitafest Melodrama is scheduled to return to its indoor home at the Sweetwater Community Church Theater, Sept. 22-25, for a live performance of San Diego County’s longest-running theatrical production. Last year the Melodrama was produced and broadcast as a radio program. Auditions will be held at the end of July. For information call (619) 850-7126.
Bonitafest is celebrating its 49th year and is the South Bay’s oldest continuous community celebration. It was founded in 1973 by Emily Ritter with a parade and small street fair along Bonita Road. Bonitafest celebrates the richness and diversity of our unique South County culture.
Max Branscomb is General Chairman Bonitafest 2021 and resides in Bonita.
