The 51st Bonitafest, “Fun for the entire area” is returning on Sept. 23 with its signature Twilight Parade, along with creative and cultural performances from residents.
“Bonitafest 2023 will be a bit more compact, but lots of fun,” said Bonitafest Chairman Max Branscomb in a statement. “Our evening street party after the parade will feature the Music Machine, Sound Unlimited and other talented performers from our community. There will be a generous book giveaway and lots of snacks!”
Along with the festivities, the 46th Bonitafest Melodrama, “Ms. Sweetwater Valley” will run Sept. 27-30 at the Sweetwater Community Church Theater. “Ms. Sweetwater Valley” is a musical comedy based on the true story of a titleholder who contended with a controversial, yet inspiring end to her short reign. The play is written by Bonitafest Melodrama Artistic Director Dr. Max Branscomb, with Ken Santillan as the musical director and Kerie Muller as producer. The Melodrama is funded by the San Diego County Community Enhancement Program and sponsorships.
This year’s Bonitafest Grand Marshals are Dr. John and Harriet Golliet-Taylor who were selected for their dedicated community service since the 1970s. The Taylor’s involvement includes their leadership with Preserve South Bay during a 13-year battle against outside multibillion-dollar corporations working to build a for-profit tollway, participation in the Sweetwater Community Planning Group—the only elected governmental body in the Sweetwater community, with Harriet Taylor as its Co-Chair. Both are staunch advocates of the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association with countless hours spent maintaining the natural beauty, civic and environmental health of the community.
“The Bonitafest Committee feels honored to have the Taylors as this year’s Grand Marshals,” Branscomb said. “They are more than pillars of the community. They are often the people propping up the pillars and will lead a great group of community servants who warrant our recognition and respect.”
This year’s hosts are Tony and Judith Tieber, nominated for their “great service to the community,” particularly for their involvement in the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association and the Sweetwater Community Planning Group.
This year’s Humanitarian is Roxanne Ronacher, due to her philanthropic work for the community. She is the vice president of the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association, a former member of the Bonita Business and Professional Association and longtime supporter of Bonitafest.
Ray Ymzon was nominated for this year’s Pioneer due to his institutional memory and contributions to the community. He is a foundational member of the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association, former long-term member and treasurer of Preserve South Bay, and a strong advocate for the health and wellbeing of citizens.
Youth ambassadors this year include Emily Ingco, Trever Braaton, and Ella Aldridge.
Ingco was a basketball and track star at Bonita Vista High School and honor student. She was recently named editor-in-chief for the Southwestern College Sun, a collegiate newspaper, a President’s List Scholar, and currently an interning journalist at the Filipino Press.
Braaton is a singer, dancer, and actor at Bonita Vista High School, and the 2023/34 assistant director of the Music Machine. He demonstrated his leadership skills last year as the school’s Vocal Music Department struggled to get back on its feet.
Aldridge is a singer-actor-dancer-musician. A 15-year-old sophomore, she has had several leading roles a the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, as well as the Bonitafest Melodrama. She is a two-time finalist for the 25 San Diego County Remarkable Teenagers award.
