View from the Old Courthouse

Now, that's an interesting view of the Hollister United Methodist Church from the Old Courthouse. It's almost like the building has eyes.

View from the Briggs Garage

While waiting for the traffic light at Fourth and San Benito Streets to turn green the other day, I noticed movement on top of Briggs Garage. "You can really see those guys standing on the rooftop," I said to the Husband, pointing to two young men looking towards the east.

"People probably see us, too, when we're standing in that same spot," he said.

"I wonder what craziness they're up to."

"The same thing we are when we're up there, to see the view."

So, this photo is a view from the Briggs Garage, looking towards the southwest.

2014 Hollister Airshow — June 14 & 15

The Hollister Airshow is one of the major annual events in San Benito County. And, it's coming up in eight days on the Flag Day/Father's Day weekend, June 14 and June 15.

The airshow will be held at the Hollister Municipal Airport. It will start at 11:30 AM, with gates opening at 9 AM, each day. Along with watching aerobatics pilots perform death defying stunts, guests will see pilots do the right stuff in experimental planes, jet warbirds, and other aircraft. In addition,  Jason Pullen will execute an amazing motorcycle stunt show and the Air Force Reserve will blow guests mind with an exhibition of its 10,000 horsepower jet car. On Saturday, after the airshow, Donald Elvis and the Hound Dogs will hold a rock-and-roll concert in one of the airport hangars. For more details about the Hollister Airshow performers, check out this link.

Tickets will be available at the gate: $15 for adults and teenagers and $10 for children, 6 to 12 years old. You can also purchase tickets before June 14 at the Hollister Airport Manager's office.

If you purchase tickets online by June 7, midnight, or at the Hollister Farmers Market on Wednesday, June 11, the cost of tickets is $10, regardless of age.

This year, the County Express is offering a free shuttle to the Hollister Airshow. Click here for the schedule. If you prefer to drive, parking will be available at $5 per car.

For more information about the Hollister Airshow, check out its website and/or Facebook page.

1962

That's all it says on the sign plate of this building in downtown Hollister. 1962. It's not the address, so I take it to mean that was the year the building was completed. Do you recognize it?

Even under a layer of soot, I think the simplicity of the sign plate looks rather elegant. Still trying to figure what this building is? Click here.

Festa do Espirito Santo

2010 Festa do Espirito Santo
Click here to see more photos

This weekend, June 6 and 7, will be the Festa do Espirito Santo (The Holy Ghost Festival), an event that the Portuguese American community of San Benito County holds every year. This traditional Portuguese festival is celebrated by Portuguese communities throughout the world on Pentecost Sunday.

The celebration honors the life of Queen Isabella, the wife of King Denis who ruled Portugal in the late 1200s. At the time, a severe drought caused widespread famine. According to one story, Queen Isabella snuck out food from the palace to feed the people. One day, with her apron full of bread, King Denis stopped her and demanded to see what she was hiding in her apron. She opened it to show red roses, which was considered a miracle because it wasn't the season for roses. From that point, Queen Isabella decided to have masses to maintain the faith of the people through the bad times. On Pentecost Sunday, ships sailed into the Lisbon harbor full of of grain for everyone.

The local Festa do Espirito Santo will begin Saturday night, 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM, with a dance and the crowning of Queen Isabella at the SDES Portuguese Hall on 695 Seventh Street. The following morning, the annual parade will start at 10 AM in front of the hall. The parade will go up Seventh St. to San Benito Street, turn at Fifth Street and head down to the Sacred Heart Church. A traditional mass will be held, including the serving of complimentary sopas. After the mass, the festival will continue at the hall.