2026 Bonitafest—Twilight Parade, Performing Arts Festival & Street Fair Brings Community Together

The Twilight Parade kicked off the 54th BonitaFest with VIPs riding in golf carts followed by bicyclists, horses, goats and a lot of walkers. They meandered along the trail with passing cars honking and calling out to them until they arrived at their final destination at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center.

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That's when the party really began! Hundreds of people were already in place, waiting for the festivities to begin!

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There was dancing and shopping and Chula Vista Mayor McCann was there. Sienna and Rocky wore their finest outfits and there were people everywhere! There were many performances including two musical groups, cheerleaders performing and a bevy of productions to enjoy.

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Dr. Max Branscomb has served on the Bonitafest committee for about 48 years. According to Google, he attended the first Bonitafest in 1973 with his mother when he was 15 years old. He has written the Bonitafest Melodrama for over 45 years, starting in 1978. Here he is addressing the crowd of Bonitafest attendees.

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Dr. Branscomb introduced this year's VIPs. Their bios—found on the Bonitafest FaceBook Page—appear below.

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According to Google, Bonitafest began in 1973 when local resident Emily Ritter and the Bonita Business and Professional Association (BBPA) wanted an event to publicize the local business area.

Emily Ritter proposed holding an Octoberfest featuring dancing in the streets and beer gardens. Adele Rockwell suggested naming the event "Bonitafest," which the group quickly accepted.

In October 1973, the community held a large parade with over 100 entries that started at Otay Lakes Road and Bonita Road, launching the long-running annual tradition.

Its been a town favorite ever since.