This year marks Bonitafest’s 50th year of celebrating the heritage and spirit of Bonita and Sweetwater Valley in September with several activities.
Community members may take part in celebrating Bonitafest’s golden year with the following parades, festivals, and performing arts:
8th Bonitafest Twilight Trail Parade.
Bonitafest kicks off with the eighth-annual Twilight Trail Parade on Sept. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Saddle Club Arena in Rohr Park. Attendees are encouraged to dress festively and bring glowsticks and flashlights during a stroll around the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course trail to the Bonita Community Museum for a community party in the parking lot. This activity is for equestrians and the general public.
Sign-up is not necessary for this event, organizers ask participants to arrive between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for staging.
Event organizers will host an equestrian “Best Dressed” contest with a gift card to the San Diego Saddlery and a trophy awaiting the winning horse/rider duo. All participants will receive a special horse treat bag.
50th annual Bonitafest Neighborhood Car Parade and Performing Arts Festival
The hour-long event kicks off on Sept. 17 at the Sweetwater Community Church at 10 a.m. The parade will go through Sweetwater Valley Neighborhoods. Community members are asked to arrive at the church between 9 a.m-10 a.m. for staging. According to event organizers, there are no sign-ups this year.
Shortly after, South Bay show choirs and stage bands will perform at the Sweetwater Community Church from 12-4 p.m for the 50th annual Performing Arts Festival. Attendees can also find tasty bites and take part in arts and crafts at this family-friendly event.
44rd Annual Bonitafest Melodrama
The four-day event begins on Sept.21 and ends on Sept. 24 from 7:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. at the Sweetwater Community Church, showing a musical theatre production “Really Fast Food!”. The ensemble-style musical comedy is based on the true story of a local fast-food chain's "mystery meat" controversy in the 1980s.
The Bonitafest Melodrama is San Diego County's longest-running theater production, according to organizers. It has been honored by the California Arts Council, County of San Diego, Multicultural Heritage Committee of San Diego County, the City of Chula Vista, San Diego-Union Tribune, and other organizations for its artistic merit, commitment to diversity and multiculturalism, a celebration of local history, and community service.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Bonitafest/
