Free Story Time in Hollister

Photo courtesy of Mars Hill Coffeehouse

What child doesn't love story time? Or, grown-ups, for that matter. I still like listening to stories being read to me or listening to a storyteller spin her tales, which transport me to magical places.

Well, guess what, Hollister friends? Story Time is going on in town!

This Wednesday, July 28, Julie Engelhardt will be presenting a Story Time at the Mars Hill Coffeehouse on the corner of San Benito and Sixth streets in downtown Hollister. The free event will start at 11 a.m, and it will last between 45 and 60 minutes. Everyone is invited.

Next Wednesday's event will be the second Story Time hosted by Mars Hill. Another is planned for August 4 at 1:30 p.m.

A mother and a professional writer, Story Time presenter Julie enjoys reading to children. Says Julie, "I have two children and I've always volunteered at their schools, primarily to read. My older son is now 17 and attends San Benito High School so that's out, and my younger son is heading towards 3rd grade, so he's kind of aging out of that, too. But, I wanted to continue reading to children, so I began to think of this. Also, there are so few things for families and children in this area, especially things that are free, so I wanted to offer a fun activity for families, daycare providers, or anyone who loves to hear stories!"

Julie acts out stories, sings songs, and does finger plays to bring the children's books that she reads alive for her audience. She centers each Story Time around a theme. As you can see in the photos, the theme for her first Story Time was Buccaneer Bay-Pirates. (Arrrgh, Mateys. Julie read books such as That's Not My Pirate by Fiona Watts and Bubble Bath Pirates by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. She also took favorite songs like "The Wheels on the Bus" and changed the lyrics to "The Pirates on the Ship."

The theme for the July 28 Story Time will be WILD for Animals! Julie invites children and grown-ups to come dressed up as their favorite animal.

Photo courtesy of Mars Hill Coffeehouse

Ooooooooooooklahoma! in Hollister

Show of hands. How many of you thought of Oklahoma!,  the musical, right away?

Good for you.  But, did you know there is a Hollister, Oklahoma? I didn't know it existed until I did a google search for Oklahoma + Hollister. Hollister, OK is located in the southeast part of the state. But, that's something to talk about another day.

Remember the film version of Oklahoma! with Gordon MacRae as Curly, Rod Steiger as Jud, and Shirley Jones as the girl those two guys wanted. Originally, it was a Rodgers and Hammerstein's production, which played on Broadway. This coming weekend, you can see that play in Hollister!

For the past two weekends, the San Benito Stage Company has been presenting Oklahoma! at the Granada Theater. This weekend will be the company's last performances.

Oklahoma! will be presented at 7 p.m. on  Friday (July 23) and Saturday (July 24). On Sunday (July 25), you can see a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The Granada Theater is located on Fifth Street across from the City Hall.  A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the San Benito County Historical Society Garcia House Visitors Center.

For more details, check out the San Benito Stage Company Web site.  And, to read about the production, check out "'Oklahoma' comes sweeping into Granada" by Melissa Flores at Weekend Pinnacle Online.

The cast of Oklahoma! at the
2010 San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade.

Hollister Street Festival's Schedule of Bands

Among the ads in Tuesday's Hollister Freelance was an insert about the 24th Annual Street Festival this Saturday, July 17. Yes, I know I wrote about it yesterday. Just thought you'd like a few more details.

San Benito Street will be closed between South and Fourth Streets.  Classic cars will be on display up and down the street. According to the map, food vendors are by the Veterans Building and Vendor Row is on Fifth Street.

Three stages have been set up for various types of performances. Too much to list here. Just show up, eh! But, I will tell you the schedule of bands on the Main Stage at San Benito and Sixth streets:

10 to 10:45 am: Sound On
11 to 11:30 am: Donald Elvis and the Hound Dogs
11:30 am to 12 pm: Sound On
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm: Fender Benderz
2 to 3 .m.: Bornia Boys
3:30 to 4:30 pm: Red House

For more details, check out these links:

Street Festival and Car Show, Hollister Downtown Association
Hollister Street Festival 2009 

Be sure to get your free slice of watermelon when you're there!

Downtown Hollister Street Festival

I like it when San Benito Street closes through downtown Hollister. For one, that means something fun is going on. For another, that means I can stroll down the street. After a parade, it's right down the middle. Same thing with the Farmers Market, even though it's only one block and it's a side street.  Yes, cheap thrills, indeed.

This Saturday, July 17, you can stroll  San Benito Street, from South to possibly Fourth, at the annual Downtown Hollister Street Festival. Number 24!

You can ogle at snazzy vintage automobiles and the latest new ones, listen to live bands, watch live performances, take part in a raffle, eat, buy stuff, and so on.  The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. For more details, check out this page at the Hollister Downtown Association Web site. 


P.S. Saturday is a very busy day and night around the area. Several events and activities are going on. If you're into it, you can combine a silent auction, an evening concert, a play, or other activities with the street fair. For a list of events, please click over to Goings On in July.

Dolce Baby and Mommy Too

One of the fun things about the Hollister Downtown Association Scavenger Hunt was learning about new businesses in town. Well, they were new to the husband and me.

Dolce Baby and Mommy Too is one such store.  That store is just cute, cute, cute!

Cute is what that store is all about. Have I said that already? All those cute kiddie clothes in bright happy colors. I just smile thinking about the joy bounding through that store.

Aren't those tutus sooo cute?
Veronica makes them special for customers.

Our scavenger hunt card was checked by the lovely owner Veronica Fontanez, who is a Baler graduate. Go Balers!

Veronica and her husband opened the shop in May. They were inspired by the birth of their own child. The Pinnacle News wrote a story about the opening. Click here ("New Store Dresses Young Kids in Style") to read it.

The next time your downtown, check out Dolce Baby and Mommy Too. It's on 748 San Benito Street, near the corner of South Street. The place was formerly the Thyme Deli and if I'm recalling rightly, way before that—during days gone by, it was a travel agency.

Goings On in July

Hope you all had a wonderful July Fourth weekend.  Here are some doings for the month in and around San Benito County.  You're welcome to add other events in the comments section.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Wednesday afternoons: Farmers Market, Hollister. From 3 to 7 p.m., on 5th Street, between San Benito and Monterey Streets.

Thursday evenings: Movies Under the Stars, Hollister.  Around dusk at the corner of San Benito and Fourth Streets. 

Friday evenings: Bingo, Sacred Heart Church, Hollister. It starts 6:30 p.m. at the O'Reilly Hall (670 College Street).  You must be 18 years old to play.

Saturday mornings:  

Bike Ride with Off the Chain Bikes, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Book Sale, Friends of the Library, Hollister. From  9 a.m. to 12 p.m., behind the San Benito County Free Library, 5th and West Streets. $2 per bag.

ONGOING EVENTS
July 2 to July 30: New York Duet Art Exhibit, Blak Sage Gallery, Hollister. Artists reception on July 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Gallery hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.

July 8 to August 1: Corridos!,  El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista.

July 9 to 11, 16 to 18, 23 to 25: Oklahoma!, San Benito Stage Company, The Granada Theater, Hollister.

July 10, 17, and 31: Fremont Peak Observatory Evening Public Program, Fremont Peak State Park.

ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS
July 9

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Open Mic Night, San Benito County Free Library, Hollister. Poetry, music, and songs of all styles and languages. All ages welcome to participate. For more details, e-mail Joe Navarro at poetajoe (at) yahoo (dot) com.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Pedro Card Party, San Juan Bautista. Sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, it will be held at 203 Fourth Street. Beginners are welcome.

July 10

7 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Flea Market, Immaculate Conception Church parking lot, Tres Pinos.

1 to 7 p.m.: San Juan Bautista Gallery Walk, San Juan Bautista.

6 to 9 p.m.: Jazz with Luis Lenzi, Knife and Fork Café, Hollister.

9 to 11 p.m.: Pinnacles Star Party, Pinnacles National Monument.

July 17

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Monthly Antique and Collectibles Fair, San Juan Bautista.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 24th Annual Street Festival and Car Show, Hollister.

12 noon to 3 p.m.: Fremont Peak Observatory Solar Program, Fremont Peak State Park.

1 to 5 p.m.: Class of 1971 Scholarship BBQ/Silent Auction Fundraiser, Veterans Park, Hollister.

6 to 10 p.m.: Dave Mason Concert, Guerra Cellars Summer Concerts, Hollister.

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Jazz Under the Stars, a benefit for the San Benito County Homeless Coalition, Hollister. Performance by the Magnolia Jazz Band.

July 24: Jazz with Luis Lenzi, Knife and Fork Café, Hollister. 6 to 9 p.m.
 

July 25-31: State Championship Show, California Gymkhana Association, San Benito County Fairgrounds (Bolado Park)

July 30: "The Big Country," Movies in the Park series, San Juan Bautista. Sponsored by the Plaza History Association, the movie will be shown on the San Juan Bautista State Historical Park Plaza Lawn at sunset. Refreshments will be available for sale.

July 31: Show ~n~ Shine and Swap Meet, Betabel Station Outdoor Market, San Juan Bautista. 7:30 a.m to 4 p.m.

July 31 to August 1: Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, San Benito High School, Hollister.

Hollister Movies Under the Stars

The downtown summer night movies are back!

This year, the Hollister Downtown Association will be holding the free movies every Thursday night in July. Bring your seats and blankets and find your place on the lawn at the corner of San Benito and Fourth Streets. Movies start half an hour after dusk.

Some things to remember: Minors cannot attend the movies alone. Please leave your pets at home. No coolers or alcohol drinks are allowed at the movies. And, no smoking either. If you're hungry or just need something to munch as you watch, you can buy pizza, popcorn, and other refreshments there.

Here's the movie line up for the month. (Clicking the movie links will take you over to Amazon.com, from which you read movie summaries and reviews.)

July 8: Paul Blart, Mall Cop
July 15: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
July 22: Shrek 2
July 29: Over the Hedge

For more details, check out this page at the Hollister Downtown Association Web site.

The 2010 San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade

The 2010 San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo was last weekend. Check out the following for stories and some photos of the event. If you know about other links, please leave them in the comments section.

• Rodeo: Another Kickin' Rodeo, Hollister Free Lance
• Rodeo 2010: A San Benito Touch, Hollister Free Lance 
• San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo on Facebook 
• San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo

The parade, which opens the horse show and rodeo every year, was loads of fun. Participants included horsemen, equestrians, community groups, 4-H groups, school groups, baton twirlers, politicians, and more. Here are just a few photos from that Thursday evening.  If you'd like to see more, head over to the Take 25 to Hollister page on Facebook.

Miss San Benito Rodeo Taylor Rae Wood

The Wells Fargo Wagon

The Horseman had his horse dancing
clippity-clop down the street.

Daredevil Sweethearts Trick Riders.
Click here to see them in action.

Wranglers took turns showing how to rope a cow.

Equestrians showing their support for cancer research.

Union 4-H, one of the 4-H groups in the parade.

Swank Farms

San Benito High School

San Benito County Farm Bureau

San Juan Bautista Historical Society

Jerry Muenzer, Candidate
San Benito County Supervisor, District 5.

Watsonville Community Band

E Clampus Vitus

Even puppies wave "Hello" to the crowd.

The Fourth of July Weekend

No motorcycle rally again this year. Will there ever be another? Only time will tell. 

Regardless, Johnny's Bar and Grill is honoring the 63-year old biker legend and keeping the spirit   alive with four days of food, song, and fun. The party starts on Thursday evening, July 1 and goes through Sunday July 4. Click here for the details.

Here are other events that will be taking place this weekend:

Saturday July 3

• Gypsy Cruisers Car and Bike Show at the San Benito County Fairgrounds (Bolado Park) 
• Summer Outdoor Concert at the Guerra Family Vineyard featuring Fandango (ZZ Top Tribute Band) and Fortunate Son (John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Band)

Sunday July 4

• The Kiddie Parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park parking lot on the corner of Memorial and Hillcrest. Everyone is welcome to join in and mosey on down Memorial Drive to Marguerite Maze Middle School. 
• Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Marguerite Maze Middle School. The KABOWs! and Oooohs! begin at dusk. 

To read more about the two events, check out "Chances for a Blast over Fourth Weekend" in the online version of the Hollister Free Lance.

Have a joyous and peaceful Fourth of July, Everyone! 

Fresh Cherries in Hollister

Cherries! Yum, double exclamation points. No make it three of 'em. Yum!!!

Yesterday, the husband and I bought our first cherries from the Ivancovich Family Orchards on Buena Vista Road. Two kinds, the regular dark red ones and the light colored ones. They were plump and full of taste. Yum!!!

We are late this year buying our first cherries from the cute wooden fruit stand on Buena Vista Road. So, that means we need to buy a box of cherries sooner than later, if I want to make a cherry pie or two and dehydrate some for later eating.

An 18 pound box is $46. To buy them otherwise is $3 a pound. Steep, according to the elderly man who was seeking apricots.   Said he, "I bought cherries for $1.99 at the supermarket."

"These are really tasty. Worth the price," we said.

"My $1.99 cherries are tasty," said he.

I doubted it. Fresh-picked cherries bought directly from the farmer generally taste better than cherries that have been sitting at the market for a few days. Any day.

John, the teenager tending the stand, said that they'll be there through the Fourth of July. Theirs is a late crop. He's not sure about how far into July that they'll be selling though. So head on out to Buena Vista Road if you're seeking fresh cherries.

The fruit stand sits under the shade of a tall tree on the north side of the road. You should see it just before you drive into that curve as you head east into Hollister. Or, if you're coming the other way, as you come out of the curve.  That probably doesn't mean a thing unless you know Buena Vista Road. So, enter 2420 Buena Vista Road into a Google search engine to pull up the Google map on the address.

A Scavenger Hunt in Hollister

The Hollister Downtown Association (HDA) is hosting a scavenger hunt during the first seven days of July.  

Yippeee! I love a scavenger hunt, don't you?

July 1 through July 7 is National Independents Week, which is sponsored by the American Independent Business Alliance.  It is an annual event to honor and promote local independent businesses nationwide. This year, the HDA is participating and, as part of its celebration of Hollister's own small businesses, it is holding a scavenger hunt.  Whoo-hoo!

Grand prize is $200!   Hot dog!

How does the scavenger hunt work?

1. You must be at 18 years or older to play the game.
2. Get your game card. You can download it  here from the HDA Web site.
3. During July 1 through 7, find 20 diverse items, such as angel pins, lemon cake, solar panels, WD-40, and organic chicken, at the participating businesses. You don't have to buy anything (if you can resist), but you do need to have someone at a business's register to endorse your game card.
4. When you've found all items, submit it to the HDA off by 5 p.m. on July 9th. You'll find the address details on your game card.

Not interested in playing? Okay, more chances for me of winning the grand prize, thank you very much.  But, I hope you do go out and support our local businesses, particularly during National Independents Week. Check out this HDA web page for tips about shopping locally.

FYI: These are the participating businesses in the Scavenger Hunt.

• American Electrical Services   
• Autoworks
• Cheap Seats Grub and Pub
• Design Line and Granger Printing
• Dolce Baby and Mommy Too
• Drapoel
• The Elegant Touch 
• Hain's Ranch Organics (Farmer's Market) 
• The Knife and Fork Café
• Maddux Jewelry 
• McKinnon Lumber 
• Muenzers Cyclery and Sports Center
• Paine's Restaurant and Bar 
• Pat's Place
• Penny Wise Drug
• Precious Petals
• Serene Home 
• She's Apparel and Shoes 
• Teezerz
• Timber and Textiles 

The Annual Summer Rodeo in San Benito County

Officially, the long-time county rodeo is called the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo. And, it is happening this weekend, from Friday, June 25, to Sunday, June 27, at the San Benito County Fairgrounds, locally known as Bolado Park, just south of Tres Pinos on Highway 25.  Roping, bull riding, barrel racing, trick riding, wild-cow milking, horsemanship, BBQ, and much more will be going on.

The Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade will kick off the 77th annual event on Thursday evening in downtown Hollister. The parade starts around 6 p.m and runs along San Benito Street to Fifth Street.  Afterwards is a fiesta at the Veterans Memorial Building with music, food, and other fun things.

For more details about the annual horse show, rodeo, and parade, check out these links:

• San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo
• Parade on Thursday Kicks Off Rodeo Weekend, Hollister Free Lance 
• Summer Rodeo Fun Starts Up, The Weekend Pinnacle Online
• Rodeo: Forever Remembered, Hollister Free Lance

Summer Movies Under the Stars

See the green? That's where the movies will be shown.

The Thursday night movies on the green in downton Hollister are coming soon.  Really, they are!

Every Thursday night in July, you can come down to the grassy area on San Benito and Fourth Streets, in front of the parking garage, to watch a popular movie on a gigantic screen. Movies will start half an hour after dusk.

The Hollister Downtown Association (HDA) is organizing the outdoor movie series. Thank you, HDA!  For more details, click here.

The HDA is asking for your input about which movies to show. I'll list them in a bit. You can vote online for your favorites, by clicking here. Or, you can get yourself a copy of The Weekend Pinnacle and cut out the ballot on page C7. Either way, HDA wants your say by June 24.

Okay, here are the movies they have to offer. Which ones do you want to see?  If you click on the links, you head over to Amazon.com for synopsises and reviews.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Over the Hedge
Paul Blart Mall Cop
Shark Tales
Shrek 2
Speed Racer
Tale of Despereaux
Transformers

Remember to Vote on June 8!!!!

It's the California primary election tomorrow.

Is it happening in your state?

I don't care how you vote or for whom you vote. That's your business. Just vote. I believe that if you don't vote, you have no right to complain about how our government is run.

June in Hollister and Thereabouts

When I say thereabouts, I mean all points in San Benito County. And, there's quite a lot going on this June. This list is just only some of them. Please let me know about any others.

Enjoy yourselves out there!

WEEKLY EVENTS

Wednesday afternoons: Farmers Market, from 3 to 7 p.m., on 5th Street, between San Benito and Monterey Streets.

Thursday evenings: Movies Under the Stars, sponsored by the Hollister Downtown Association.  Corner of 4th and San Benito Streets. Yep, on the big lawn. Movie starts around dusk.

Friday evenings: Bingo, sponsored by Sacred Heart Church. It starts 6:30 p.m. at the O'Reilly Hall (670 College Street).  You must be 18 years old to play.

Saturday mornings: Bike Ride with Off the Chain Bikes.

Saturday mornings: Book Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, from  9 a.m. to 12 p.m., behind the San Benito County Free Library, 5th and West Streets. $2 per bag. Wow!

ONGOING EVENTS

June 3 to June 30: Three Artists, Three Visions, Blak Sage Gallery, in Hollister. Artists reception on June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m.

June 5, 12, and 19: Fremont Peak Observatory Evening Public Program, Fremont Peak State Park.

June 18 to August 1: Corridos,  El Teatro Campesino, San Juan Bautista.

ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENTS

June 5: Living History Days, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park.

June 5: Miss San Benito Rodeo Contest, 9 a.m. at the San Benito County Fairgrounds. Admission is free.

June 8: VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

June 11: Pedro Card Party, sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 203 Fourth Street in San Juan Bautista. Beginners are welcome.

June 12: Wag n' Walk, sponsored by Pet Friends, in Hollister.

June 12: San Juan Bautista Gallery Walk. 

June 13: Model T Endurance Run and Lowland Tour, part of Tiffany Motor Company's 100th Celebration, Hollister.

June 19: Ninth Annual Family Kite Day, Pacheco State Park. 12 noon to 4 p.m. 

June 19: Fremont Peak Observatory Solar Program, Fremont Peak State Park.

June 19 to 20: Living History Special Event, San Juan Bautista State Historic Park.

June 19: Monthly Antique and Collectables Fair, San Juan Bautista.

June 19: Memorial Roping, San Benito County Rodeo, starts 9 a.m. at the San Benito County Fairgrounds. This event is dedicated to Richie Fehlman, Kenny Vierra, and Tommy Carreiro. Admission is free.


June 19: Kelly McDonald Concert, Guerra Cellars Summer Concerts, Hollister.

June 20: San Juan Bautista Annual Fiesta.

June 24: 77th Annual Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade, sponsored by the San Benito County Saddle Horse Association. It starts  6:15 p.m. Downtown Hollister.

June 25 to June 27: 77th Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, San Benito County Fairgrounds.