Annual Marion festival expects to draw a big crowd

Annual Marion festival expects to draw a big crowd

What is Esperanza Bonanza?

The Esperanza Bonanza Festival, celebrated in May every year, is a three-day rain or shine event featuring live music, barbecue competition, rodeo, golf tournament, carnival, adult & children's games, and much, much more. There is truly something for everyone in the family. The festival usually draws more than 15,000 people each year.

Esperanza Bonanza is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organizationthat is responsible for planning and organizing the yearly festival. In addition to the festival, Esperanza Bonanza also gives back to the community and local charities, causes, and projects.

When is Esperanza Bonanza? The annual Esperanza Bonanza festival is normally held the first full weekend of May each year. The 2016 Esperanza Bonanza Festival will be held Thursday through Saturday, May 5-7, with a special early bird preview Wednesday, May 4.

Where is Esperanza Bonanza? The Esperanza Bonanza festival is held in Marion, at the Marion Recreational Complex (south of the high school). Who is behind Esperanza Bonanza?

The volunteers that make up the Esperanza Bonanza board and committees are responsible for the various aspects of the organization and festival.

History of Esperanza Bonanza Now well into its second decade, Esperanza Bonanza started in 1993 as a small group of local businesses getting together to cook barbecue. Many of those that participated in the first Esperanza Bonanza are still involved in the planning and organization as board members or committee chairpersons.

The name Esperanza Bonanza pays tribute to Marion's heritage as the site of Fort Esperanza, the first European settlement in what is now Crittenden County. It was chosen as the winning entry in a name the festival contest.

You can get the latest Esperanza Bonanza information at esperanzabonanza.org.