Bonifest Festival Discontinued After 40 Years Due to Rising Costs
Bonifest, a 40-year-old annual festival held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, has been discontinued due to rising costs and increasing complexity of organizing large community events. The festival, which began in 1986, was a significant community tradition…
St. Louis, MO, August 11, 2026 —
The annual Bonifest, a beloved 40-year tradition hosted by St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, has been discontinued. Organizers cited rising costs and the increasing complexity of managing large-scale community events as the primary reasons for the decision.
Established in 1986, Bonifest has been a cornerstone of the Metro East community for four decades. The festival was known for its festive atmosphere, offering a wide array of attractions that included carnival rides, various games, live musical performances, and a diverse selection of food options.
The discontinuation marks the end of an era for many residents who have grown up attending or participating in the event. The church has not provided a specific timeline for when the final decision was made, but the announcement confirms the cessation of the long-running festival.
The increasing financial demands and logistical challenges associated with organizing such a large public gathering have become insurmountable for the church. While specific details regarding the exact cost increases were not provided, the general sentiment points to a significant financial strain that made continuing the event unfeasible.
Bonifest was more than just an event; it was a significant community tradition that brought residents together annually. Its closure leaves a void in the local calendar of events and signifies a shift in the landscape of community gatherings in the Metro East area.
Story summarized from the original created by Cory Stark on www.firstalert4.com, see more information here.
