Get ready to celebrate South Bay’s rich community spirit at this year’s Bonitafest Twilight Parade! Whether walking, riding a bike, or bringing along your favorite pet, everyone is invited to join in the fun on September 21 at 6 p.m. at the Sunnyside Saddle Club arena in Rohr Park.

This year’s parade is truly a sight to behold, with horses, goats, dogs, llamas, and even potbelly pigs set to appear. The one-mile trek circles the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course, and the energetic Sunnyside School Mighty Bulldogs Marching Band will lead the parade.

But the excitement doesn’t end with the parade! As we wrap up at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library parking lot, the Bonitafest Performing Arts Festival will kick off from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a diverse lineup of South County talent, including the nationally renowned Music Machine and Sound Unlimited show choirs from Bonita Vista High School.

This year’s event is co-chaired by two remarkable young leaders, Nicolette Luna and Lyra Rhodes, recent Bonita Vista High graduates heading to UC Berkeley. Their dedication and creativity have brought some exciting new elements to the parade, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store.

And don’t forget, the festivities continue with the 47th annual Bonitafest Melodrama, “Thin Skins and Hayseeds,” running from September 25-28 at the Sweetwater Church Theater. It’s a must-see musical-comedy that tells the story of the Great Sweetwater Valley Flood of 1916 in a fun and engaging way.

Come out and join this beloved tradition. Let’s celebrate our community, enjoy some great performances, and keep the Bonitafest spirit alive!