21st Annual Esperanza Bonanza Offers Family Activities, BBQ, and More

MARION, AR – The 21^st Annual Esperanza Bonanza Festival will host a weekend full of family-friendly fun May 9 – 11 at the Marion Athletic Complex.  The three-day festival is one of Crittenden County’s oldest and largest public events.  The festivities open on Wednesday, May 8, at 4:00 p.m. with the first Carnival

The Festival features one of the Mid-South’s largest Back Yard Barbeque Contests, now partnered with the Memphis Barbeque Network; Craft Vendors; Carnival rides and games by PBJ Happee Day Show; Golf Tournament at Marion Golf & Athletic Club; and live music by the area’s top musicians.  Headlining the Esperanza Bonanza’s entertainment schedule is Dr. Zarr and the Amazing Funkmonsters as well as Andy Child’s Band. 

The Festival’s International Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned competition has expanded to two-days of rodeo competition.  This year’s rodeo event includes a Youth Barrel Race with various categories for ages 17 and under.  Trophies and prizes are awarded for all festival competitions.

“The Esperanza Bonanza Festival is a Marion staple with something for everyone,” said Festival Board Treasurer Joanie Taylor.  “We believe that this is going to be our best event yet, so if you’ve never experienced this incredible festival, now is the time!”  

Get a Carnival Wristband sand ride the thrilling rides to your heart’s content!  Wristband days are Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9 from 4:00 to 10:00 PM and Saturday, May 11 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Carnival Wristbands are $15 each. 

The Festival offers lots of fun and activities for very reasonable prices.  A pass for Thursday through   For more information about festival pricing, competition entries, and scheduled events, please visit the Esperanza Bonanza Festival website: http://esperanzabonanza.org/.

Saturday nights is available for only $15; individual day passes range $3 - $10.

2013 Esperanza Bonanza Event Schedule:

Wednesday, May 8

4:00 PM: Carnival ($15 wristbands)

Thursday, May 9

4:00 PM: Carnival ($15 wristbands)

6:00 PM: Matt Enik Band and the Shotgun Billy’s Band

Friday, May 10

4:00 PM: Carnival

12:00 PM: Golf Tournament Tee-Off

5:00 PM: Stew and Stacy

7:00 PM: Rodeo Competition

8:00PM: Andy Child’s Band

Saturday, May 11

10:00 AM: Youth Barrel Racing Competition

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Children’s Day Activities (Free for children under 12)

12:00 PM: Carnival ($15 wristbands)

2:00 & 6:00 PM: Tennessee Mojo

5:00 PM: BBQ Competition Awards

7:00 PM: Rodeo Competition

8:00 PM: Dr. Zarr and the Amazing Funkmonsters

About Esperanza Bonanza:

The Esperanza Bonanza Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Crittenden County, AR.  To achieve this mission, Esperanza Bonanza presents an annual festival to promote the City of Marion and surrounding towns, foster tourism and community camaraderie. The Esperanza Bonanza Festival uses income from the annual festival to make grants to Crittenden County charities and support the continuing education of local students through various scholarship programs. 

Wristband Night.

Esperanza Bonanza Scholarship Application Now Available

Esperanza Bonanza is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that 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, including investing in the future of our area through scholarship opportunities.

Esperanza Bonanza proudly gives scholarships each year to area graduating seniors.  Scholarships are in honor of Doyle Carter (late husband of Gloria Carter and father of Dianna Hanks) and Ernest Crawford.  

To apply,  download and print the application (link below) and turn in to the MHS guidance counselor or stop by their office to receive a printed copy of the application.  Deadline for applications is April 21, 2013.
 
Below is a list of requirements:

1. 3.0 GPA from high school
2. ACT score of 19 or better
3. Must have been accepted to a 4 year school, or an accredited Community College

To maintain the scholarship, the applicant must:

1. Maintain a 2.75 GPA first and second semesters, and a 3.0 GPA each semester thereafter.
2. Must be working towards a bachelor’s degree
3. Carry a course load of at least 12 hour

For more information or to download the application, visit http://www.esperanzabonanza.org/about_us/giving_back