A weekend of fun — including a popular pie-eating contest — is on Monrovia’s horizon with the city’s upcoming Monrovia Days celebration.
The festival stretches back decades and is meant to celebrate the 137-year-old city’s birthday.
“Monrovia Days is such a special event to me because it brings people together — Every activity, performance and event is planned with that in mind,” Monrovia’s city manager Dylan Feik said. “I am so grateful to Centre Stage, the School District, and the hundreds of businesses, countless community partners and sponsors who all pitch in to make our celebration so special.”
Visitors can expect a performance from the Monrovia Unified School District and Centre Stage (a nonprofit performing arts center), a parade, professional live music, a beer garden, Merengue’s Pie Eating Contest and a carnival with games, rides and food trucks.
Growing up as a kid in Monrovia, I looked forward every year to the Monrovia Days Parade,” said Mayor Pro Tem Larry J. Spicer who remembered marching with his Cub and Boys Scout troops. “After the parade, my family and I would then head off to the carnival for a fun filled day. Those were exciting times for me!”
While the event is from Friday, May 19, to Sunday, May 21, the Monrovia Days Parade will take place on Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. on Myrtle Avenue at Olive Avenue. It will head north on Myrtle Avenue to Library Park. Applications to join in the parade will be accepted through by Friday, May 12.
To compete in the pie-eating contest, complete the application and return to the Monrovia Community Center (119 W Palm Ave). The contest allows teams of 5 members to participate, 1st place will win $300, 2nd place will win $150, and third place will win $50.
Today, Spicer serves on the planning commission for the annual event and said he hopes to bring the same joy to visitors that he has felt all these years.
“Fast forward over 50 plus years later, I still get excited about Monrovia Day Parade and weekend festivities,” he said. “We try to create an exciting event that brings the community together and to make lasting memories for everyone.”
Carnival Ticket Information:
- One-Day Ticket – Pre-Sale: $15 | Day Of : $20
- Two-Day Ticket – Pre-Sale: $25 | Day Of : $30
- Three-Day Ticket – Pre-Sale: $35 | Day Of: $40
- Pre-Sale tickets can be purchase online or in person at the Monrovia Community Center.
Visit www.monroviadays.org for more information.
