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.

Waiting for the Parade

The 2013 San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Parade last Thursday evening was a great one. Lots of beautiful horses clippity-clopped, as well as horseless carriages, old and new, tootled down San Benito Street. You can see some photos at the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo Facebook page. Once I have a chance, I'll post some photos up.

Speaking of parades, the annual Fourth of July Kiddie Parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday. The parade starts in the commuter parking lot at the corner of Memorial Drive and Hillcrest Road, and goes along Memorial Drive to Marguerite Maze Middle School on Meridian Street. Children of all ages are welcome to participate in the parade. Dogs or motorized vehicles are not allowed. The parade is co-sponsored by the City of Hollister and the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

And, before I forget, the annual Fourth of July fireworks display will take place at Marguerite Maze Middle School at dusk.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention (l shall blame this heat wave for memory lapses.) that Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6 will be the Hollister Rally in historical downtown Hollister.

80th San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo

It's that time of year again, folks. It's the weekend of the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo!

Festivities start off this evening at 6:15 p.m. with the traditional parade down historical downtown Hollister.

For details  about the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, click here.

Another Hysterical Sight in Historical Downtown Hollister

We were just pedaling our bicycles north on East Street—the Husband and I—when I happened to glance to the right as we passed by the parking area behind San Benito Glass. Silver oh-la-la legs attracted me from high above so I had to circle back and take a photo.Wouldn't you?

I'm glad I did. Check out the close-up. Anyone else see the Mona Lisa smile?