"Freedom, Rebellion and Adventure"

Who  else agrees that the Hollister bike rally was fun and well-run?

Congratulations to Mark Cresswell of Worldwide Dynamics for doing a wonderful job organizing and managing the 2013 Hollister Rally.  Much appreciation also goes to our new Hollister Police Chief David Westrick for such a great job leading law enforcement for the event.  And, many thanks to the thousands of visitors over the last few days to our city. Hope you enjoyed your visit.

The motorcycle rally may be over for this year, but the biker-inspired exhibit, Freedom, Rebellion & Adventure, continues at the Blak Sage Gallery until July 20, 2013. The exhibit includes works by Rob Campbell, creator of the "Keeping Up with Jones" comic strip, photographs by Michele Esposito, and  sculptures by Paul Loughridge. Take the time to enjoy it, the next time you're in downtown historical Hollister.

Loughridge inspires me to try my hand at putting together odds and ends of metal things to create something spectacular. Something I've never done before. My favorite Loughridge sculpture is called "Evolution (bone/wrench)", which he created out of a vintage bicycle tank, meat grinder handle, flex gas line, propane carb, toilet seat hinges, and a turkey baster. Brilliant! My second favorite is the red truck in the photo above.

The Blak Sage Gallery  is located at 727 San Benito Street (east side of the street between 7th and South Streets). The gallery is open Wednesday and Thursday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. For more info about the artists, check out San Benito County Arts Council Facebook page.

The 2013 Hollister Motorcycle Rally

The Hollister motorcycle rally is back. Big time! It started yesterday and continues until 9 pm. tonight in downtown Hollister.  San Benito Street is closed from Fourth to South Streets for bikers to park their beauties.  To check out the schedule, click over to the Official Hollister Rally Website.

If you want to know about the origins of the motorcycle rally, stop in at the San Benito County Historic Museum at the corner of 5th and West Streets.

By the way, if you want to get married or renew your vows, the opportunity is available in front of the Veterans Memorial Building.

Happy, Happy Fourth of July!

I saw the sweetest parade ever in Hollister. How sweet? I started crying as the last participants filed by me. I'm so glad I decided to pedal down to Memorial Drive for the Fourth of July Kiddie Parade.
 

Uncle Sam in all his  glory led a long line of kids and their parents along Memorial Drive, from the corner of Hillcrest Road to Marguerite Maze School on Meridian Street. A summer camp marching band brilliantly played. Parents pushed their babies in strollers and pulled their toddlers in wagons. Tiny and not-so-tiny kids pedaled their big wheels, tricycles, and bicycles and pushed  along on their scooters. And, of course, there were the parade marchers of all ages. It was just all so cute!

The parade was short. Ten minutes, if that. But, all that preciousness made my Fourth-of-July Day. Thank you, all parade participants, for putting the smile in my heart today.

Happy Independence Day to us all!

Prepping for the Fourth of July Weekend

At 8:30 this morning,  historical downtown Hollister was hopping. Excitement buzzed up and down the streets. A few vendors for the Hollister Rally were already putting up tents. From my vantage point in the bakery/coffee shop (whose name I can't remember) at 730 San Benito Street, I watched the parade of people, cars, and motorcycles pass back and forth.  The Fourth of July celebration has begun!

Free Fourth of July Events

10 a.m.: The Kiddie Parade, from the corner of Hillcrest and Memorial to Marguerite Maze School on Meridian.

Dusk (around 9:30 p.m.): Public Fireworks Display at Marguerite Maze School 

Streets Closed for the Hollister Rally
Starting at 8 p.m. tonight, the following downtown streets will be closed to traffic until Sunday, July 7, 5 p.m.

• 5th, 6th, and 7th Streets, between Monterey and East Streets
• East Street, between 4th and South Streets
• San Benito Street, between 4th and South Streets (closure starts July 4, 5 p.m.)

And, yes, the Hollister Farmers Market will be open today, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Be safe and careful out there while you're having fun celebrating the Spirit of Independence Day!

Vintage Bikes on Display

Hollister is gearing up for the motorcycle rally on July 5 and July 6. Are you ready?

Whether during the Hollister Rally or within the next few days, be sure to go by the Hollister Sign Company at 535 San Benito Street, and check out the vintage bikes on display. They are beautiful!

Head into the store while you're there, too. The store sells clothing, Tom shoes, skateboards, and other products along with offering such services as making signs, printing large formats, and custom-made apparel.  For more about the Hollister Sign Company online, visit its website or Facebook page.