Hollister, California is a real town that has been around since the 1870s. Unlike the fictional town created by a corporate clothing company, Hollister is no where near a beach. The town is about 45 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. Seagulls occasionally make their way over the mountains. Hopefully, they are able to find their way back.
On a whim, the Husband and I decided to pull into the Bolado Park Golf Club, just off of Highway 25, a bit south of Tres Pinos. Neither of us play golf, but that wasn't going to stop us from possibly hitting a bucket of balls on the driving range.
Hundreds of years ago when I was a Hollister Haybaler, I played a round of golf once on the 9-hole course. The girl PE teachers thought it would be a good experience for us girls to top off our quarter in golf with a game on an actual golf course. I remember hitting quite a few divots into the air.
The Bolado Park Golf Club is a public golf course. It was established in the late 1920s. It was Hollister's first golf course. For more information, check out the golf course's Web site. You can also find a couple of videos of people playing there in the 1940s.
As for the Husband and me on the day of our visit, we rented (correct word?) a small bucket of golf balls for $3. Three bucks! What a deal for a bit of fun. We didn't have any golf clubs, but the lovely lady running the show let us borrow a few of them that were lying around the shop.
The Husband did quite well hitting the balls down the drive for only the second or third time in his life. Me, I managed to hit only one divot into the air. Pretty good, I say.
Just in case you haven't heard, here are three events taking place this weekend.
Mommy and Me, Art and Tea
On Saturday afternoon, November 10, children and their parents (Moms and/or Dads) can participate in a hands-on art project event at the Blak Sage Gallery (727 San Benito Street). The free event is from noon to 5 p.m. Cookies and tea will be served. The fun family affair fete is sponsored by the San Benito County Arts Council. For more info, call 831-636-2787 or check out this Facebook link.
Sounds of Brass Concert
The Pacific Brass Band will hold its 12th annual benefit concert this Saturday, November 10, 2 p.m., at Rancho San Justo Middle School (1201 Rancho Drive). This British-style brass band is composed of musicians from San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties. The concert is sponsored by the local YMCA and Mr. O's Save the Music Drive.
Proceeds of the concert will benefit the Hollister elementary school music program and the Hollister middle school sports program.
Admission tickets: $25 per family (up to to persons), $5 for seniors, and $5 for students. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by paid adults. Tickets may be purchased before the concert at the YMCA of San Benito County, Mr. O’s Academy, Postal Graphics, and Ace Hardware.
Veterans Day Parade
This year's Veterans Day Parade will take place in downtown Hollister on Sunday November 11 at 1:30 p.m.
The Veterans Day celebration will begin at 11:11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building with a moment-of-silence observation for our deceased Veterans. A BBQ lunch will be available at noon. The day's event will also have a resource fair for Veterans. A military flyover is slated to take place before the parade.
Scheduled earlier on Sunday is the annual Veterans Day Breakfast, hosted by San Benito County LULAC, at the San Benito High School Cafeteria. Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to noon. State Assembly member Luis Alejo will be a guest speaker at the breakfast.
Breakfast is $8, with proceeds benefiting the 2013 LULAC scholarship fund. For further information, call 831-673-1977.
If you're heading south on San Felipe Road, just look for this sign that points to the Swank Produce Stand.
If you shop at farmers markets in the Monterey, San Jose, or San Francisco areas, you've probably stopped by the Swank Farms booth. It's the one with the delicious heirloom tomato salsa. The owners, Dick and Bonnie Swank, also have a produce stand next to the Hollister Airport. It's one of my sources for fresh eggs, which come straight from the hens on the grounds.
The Swanks have made visiting the produce stand a family fun adventure, with a farm corral, pedal carts, gigantic jumping pillow, mining sluice, and other activities. And, every fall, the Swanks create an elaborate corn maze and haunted ranch that lasts until October 31.
I'm pedaling east on McCloskey Road. Slowly, but surely.
Hollister is a great place to ride your bicycle. You can go up and down hills as far away as you want. Or, just pedal into and around town to do errands. The husband and I like to do both. We haven't done much lately, and I miss it.
If you're into cycling, check out the Condor Classic on October 22. There are several rides, from 10 miles to 100 miles, starting from San Benito High School. This is its third year.
Said the queen, "Ms. Dee Klein, I decline to recline on the equine." Say that five times, if you dare.
And, if you want another "Take 25 to Hollister" tongue twister, try this one.
As for the photo? I spied these equestrians in a corral just north of Tres Pinos, while the husband was driving back to Hollister. We were on Highway 25, aka Airline Highway, of course.
You'll find this object throughout downtown Hollister. What do you think it is?
A sun dial?
A peace symbol?
A no parking sign?
Nope. Nah. Not at all.
Hint: You lock a transportation device to it. I've noticed a lot more people—young and old—are riding these devices lately, particularly the beach cruisers. So cool!
Just past noon on Saturday, both sides of San Benito Street, between Fifth and Sixth Streets, were nearly filled with bikes, all parked politely and carefully, rear end to the curb. That was just only the beginning of the day. A very large group of bikers doing the Hollister Rally Run from Southern California had planned to roll into town sometimes around 1:30 p.m.
Lots more activities going on today and Monday. For details, click here (Corbin) and here (Johnny's Bar and Grill).
This week, I shall be taking you over to San Juan Bautista, which is
just a short hop from Highway 25, heading west on Highway 156.
That high peak is in Fremont Peak State Park. The peak, also known as Gavilan Peak, is over 3,100 feet high. From up there, you can see the San Benito Valley, the Salinas Valley, and Monterey Bay. On a very, very clear day, you might see the Sierra Nevadas.
The park offers hiking, picnicking, and camping fun. It's also a great place to see the stars. The Fremont Peak Observatory Association gives evening and solar programs to the public throughout the year. For more about them, check out this link.
For more info about Fremont Peak State Park, click here.
This week, I shall be taking you over to San Juan Bautista, which is
just a short hop from Highway 25, heading west on Highway 156.
A three-mile segment of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is a hiking trail in San Juan Bautista. The trail runs along the Old Stage Road, which is near the intersection of San Juan Canyon Road and San Juan Grade Road.
This national historic trail was the first overland trail from New Spain to San Francisco. It was named after Juan Bautista de Anza, of Spain, who led about 300 people—soldiers and their families—over 2,700 miles from Tubac, Sonora (now known as Nogales, Arizona) to San Francisco, California. Anza is also credited for choosing the sites for the Presidio of San Francisco and Mission Dolores. The expedition started in October, 1775 and completed its journey in June, 1776.
For more information about this national historic trail, check out these Web sites:
Downtown Hollister is a nice place for walking, alone or with a friend or two.
The YMCA hosts walks on Friday mornings. For more about the walks, click over to this page at the Hollister Downtown Association. You can also download a brochure of suggested short walks, such as the 1.3 mile Historic District Walk, which you can do on your own.
Did you know that there's a community garden up on Vista Park Hill in downtown Hollister?
The gardening plots are free and open to all. Bidding for plots usually takes place in January. Contact the Hollister City Hall for information. For more about the community garden, check out these two news articles that were written a few years ago.
I'm talking about the Swank Farm's Halloween corn maze at 2600 San Felipe Road, just next door (on the north side) of the Hollister Airport. There are only 9 days left, if you haven't checked it out yet.
Every year, the Swanks create a new design for their Maniac Maze, which involves twists and turns through 20 acres of corn. To successfully make your way through and out of the maze, you must find 27 hidden spots that complete the story about the maze. It also helps if you or someone with you has a goodgreat sense of direction. Otherwise. . . .
The amazing maze is open daily until October 31. On weekends, you can try your luck at night. (It's a full moon tomorrow night, by the way.) If you're into being spooked senseless, you might want to venture into the Haunted Conover Mystery Ranch. Boo!
Swank Farm also offers other fun things for kiddies and grown-ups: Pig races, pumpkin tosses, go-carts, a farm animal zoo, and a pumpkin patch, among other activities. You can also buy fresh produce, homemade fudge, and other food products, as well as items from the farm's Swanky clothing line, at the farm's country store.
Definitely a fun outing for everyone! And, no, I wasn't paid, nor had my arm twisted, to write about the Swank Farm.
For more info about the farm and the corn maze, check out these links:
Are you heading down Highway 25 this Sunday to check out the Wine Trail, hike the Pinnacles, drive the back roads of San Benito County, or do another adventure? You're bound to get hungry and wonder what to eat and where to eat.
How about some BBQ in Tres Pinos?
On October 17, the Immaculate Conception Church will be holding its annual BBQ fundraiser. The BBQ meal includes chicken (half chicken for adult; quarter for child), pasta, salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Cost is $12 per adult and $6 per child. You can eat there on the breathtaking grounds or take your plates with you for when you're ready to chow down. Adults who eat on the premise may receive a glass of wine with their meal.
The Immaculate Conception Church is on the south side of Tres Pinos, right off Highway 25. It was built in 1892 and originally was situated across the highway. In 1925, the parish became part of the Sacred Heart Church in Hollister because of lack of funds. Ten years later, the Immaculate Conception parish was able reestablish itself. To help raise funds for the church, the parishioners put on a BBQ fundraiser. This Sunday will be the church's 72nd annual BBQ fundraiser.
The fundraiser will also feature children's games and a cake walk, in which you get a chance of winning a homemade cake. There will also be a white elephant booth which will have knick-knacks, books, holiday decorations, and other items for sale. Most, if not all, items are donated. As one organizer said, "it could be 'junk' to someone and 'treasure' to someone else."
For more information about the Immaculate Conception Church, check out these links:
On Tuesday, who had memories of playing as a kid at Dunne Park again? Perhaps you were recalling yourself flying high on the swings or splashing in the wading pool, rolling down that slight slope from Sixth Street, hitting tennis balls or chasing them down, catching a fly ball or rounding the bases, or. . .?
That's where this week's Tuesday in Hollister should've brought you: Dunne Park!
Dunne Park was named after James F. Dunne, a well-known rancher who died in 1925. His ranch was on San Felipe Road, just north of Dunneville Corners, where Shore and San Felipe Roads meet. Dunne's widow, Viola, who died in 1930, willed $75,000 to the city of Hollister to build a memorial auditorium. How did the auditorium become a park instead? Anyone know?
The beautiful rose beds that have been at the park since I can recall is described as being a memorial rose garden. I always wondered who we should be remembering. Perhaps it is for James F. Dunne.
Dunne Park was dedicated in 1941, according to "The Historic Downtown Walking Tour" pamphlet (by the San Benito County Historical Society, I believe). Before the grounds on Seventh and West streets became the downtown community park, Sacred Heart Church was located there. Anyone have photos of the church there?
Recently, the Hollister Youth Alliance received a $100,000 grant to develop a plan for restoring Dunne Park that would increase its use. For more details, read the article Restoring a Neighborhood Treasure at the Weekend Pinnacle Online.
Okay, one more look at Dunne Park. This was taken during the "Music in the Park" concert last month. Click on it for a larger view.
Click to Head over
to the contest page
to vote for Tammy's Entry
Hey Hollister Dog Owners! Want to help Hollister get half a million dollars to give a local dog park a makeover?
Tammy Ballew, a member of the Hollister Dog Owners Group, does. Evidently so much that she entered the Dream Dog Park Contest, which is jointly sponsored by Beneful, a dog food brand made by Purina, and WagWorld.com. The sponsors recently chose Tammy as one of the contest's top 10 finalists.
Whoo-hoo! Way to go, Tammy!
If Tammy wins the contest, she will receive an in-kind donation of $500,000 to renovate the dog park next to the Hollister Airport. Now, here's where all you dog owners and dog lovers can make Tammy be the grand prize winner!
The finalist who gets the most public votes for her or his entry will receive 10% of the final score. The other 90 percent of the score will be based on what the judges say. From today until August 11, the public can vote once a day at the Dream Dog Park Contest Web site.
So, dear Hollister Readers, let's show Tammy our support. Head over to Tammy's page at the contest Web site to cast you vote. There, you can also see Tammy's winning essay and video for becoming a finalist.
For local news reports about Tammy and the contest, check out these links:
Lots of activities are happening in and around Hollister this month. Take your pick and have a happy outing!
ONGOING EVENTS
Farmers Market
This Wednesday, May 12, the Farmers Market is back in town. Fifth Street (between San Benito and Monterey streets) will be closed so that shoppers can wander from one vendor's table to the next. Fresh organic vegetables and fruit, pasture-raised chickens, flowers, crafts, and prepared food will be available, many of which are locally grown or produced. The Farmers Market will be open every Wednesday, from 3 to 7 p.m., through September 29. For more info, check out this page at the Hollister Downtown Association Web site.
Bingo!
Every Friday evening, Sacred Heart Church holds bingo games in the O'Reilly Hall (670 College Street). It starts at 6:30 p.m. You must be 18 years old to play. Bingo play are only allowed to play a maximum of $25. Good policy, especially for me.
Bike Rides
Off the Chains Bike Shop sponsors bike rides in the area every Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. Check out the shop's Web site for details.
Used Book Sales
There may not be a bookstore in town or the county, but we can soothe our book-buying itch at the weekly book sale held by The Friends of the Library. Every Saturday morning, the group opens its shack behind the San Benito County Museum (Fifth and West) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Only two bucks for all the books you can fit into a paper sack. What a bargain!
ONE-OF-A-KIND and ANNUAL EVENTS
May 13: San Benito County Trade Show
The 15th annual local trade show and job fair will take place this Thursday, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building (San Benito and Seventh). This year's theme is "Building Business Again in 2010." Admission is free. For more info, read "Annual Trade Show and Job Fair Approaches" from the Hollister Free Lance.
May 14-15: As You Like It
The Theater Arts Department at Gavilan College will present Shakespeare's "As You Like It" this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 while tickets for students and seniors are $6. For more info, click over to the department's web page.
May 15: 8th Annual Wine Passport
This Saturday, you can tour seven wineries in San Benito County for the cost of one passport ($25 per person). The passport also includes a complimentary glass of wine at each winery. The annual event is sponsored by The San Benito County Winegrowers Association. For more info, click over to its "Passport Weekend" web page.
May 15: Guerra Family Cellars Concert
The Guerra Family Cellars will open its outdoor concert season with Shakedown, a classics rock and roll band. Tickets are $10 per person. To see the surroundings, check the winery's web site. To learn more about the band, click over to its Web site.
May 21-23: "Trial by Jury"
The San Benito Oriana Chorale will open its 25th season with a three-day performance of "Trial by Jury," a Gilbert and Sullivan opera. The group will perform at the Hollister Methodist Church (5th and Monterey) on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children, $10 for teenagers, and $15 for adults, which can be bought online or at local businesses. Tickets may be available at the door. For more info, head over to the group's Web site.
May 22: Dog Days of Hollister
The Hollister Dog Owners Group will sponsor a fair for dogs and their owners and other human friends on May 22, starting at 10 a.m. It will take place on the lawn in front of the Briggs Building (San Benito and Fourth). There will be a doggie costume parade as well as prizes for the dog that has the best bark, has the waggiest tail, looks most like its owner, performs the funniest pet trick, and so on. For more info, click over to the Hollister Dog Owners Group Web site.
May 22-23: The Great San Juan Bautista 2010 Rib Cookoff
Yum! BBQ ribs galore. Which one shall you taste, as you walk up and down Third Street in San Juan Bautista? In addition to eating ribs and more ribs, you can listen to live entertainment and buy or window shop at the various arts and crafts booths. The event will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Here's a look at last year's Rib Cookoff:
May 23: First Annual Red Barn Run
When you say "red barn" in this area, most folks, like myself, think of the auction barn on highway 101. But that's not the case here. The red barn refers to the one on the Windhaven Ranch where this fundraising run for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will originate. This ranch is a few miles south of the City of San Juan Bautista. You can enter a 5K or 10K race, and walkers are welcome, according to the organizers. For more information, go to the Red Barn Run Web site.
May 29-30: First Annual Hollister Airshow
Skydiving formation demo, non-aerobatic glider training demo, aerobatic competition maneuvers, and WWII fighter formation flybys are just a few of the performances scheduled to take place at the Hollister Airshow. Tickets will be $5 per person, and parking will be $3 per car. The Hollister Municipal Airport is a few miles north of downtown Hollister. For more info, check out the Hollister Airshow Web site.
April 17 to 25 is National Park Week. In honor of the week, the National Park Service has decreed that entrance to all national parks, include the Pinnacles National Monument, is free. So, if you can take advantage of the freebie, head on out.
The husband and I ventured over to the Pinnacles last month, entering via Highway 25, of course. The day was gorgeous! Wildflowers were popping. Ravens were calling to each other and condors were circling above us. I think I even heard the flutter of bat wings.
The Bear Gulch Cave was open and we did our best to scramble all the way up through it. Alas, we couldn't figure out the path at the stream so swerved to the left and out of the cave, and walked along an outside trail to get back in. We did climb up the stairway out of the cave to the reservoir. As always, it was well worth the effort to see the views.
The Bear Gulch Cave is home to a colony of bats. The park plans to close it in mid-May to safeguard the bats as the babies grow up. The caves will re-open sometime in July when the bats leave the cave. Check out the Pinnacles Web site for more particulars by clicking here.
