Saturday, October 12th Happenings in San Benito County

How often have you heard -- or said it yourself -- there's nothing to do around here?

Ha! Can't say that tomorrow, Saturday, October 12. You can pick and choose of things to do, even at this late date.

24th Annual Red Ribbon Run
Feel like taking part in a run?  Since 1989, San Benito County Behavioral Health has hosted a 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run to bring awareness to the problem, as well as prevention, of alcohol and drug abuse. The races start and ends in San Juan Bautista. You can still register to enter on Saturday. The event hours are 7 AM to 12 PM. For more information, including the maps of the runs, click here.

Open House  at Luck Park
From 9 AM to 2 PM, the San Juan Bautista Historical Society Luck Museum and the Carl M. Luck Memorial Library Auxiliary will be hosting an open house at Luck Park in San Juan Bautista. The event will showcase projects of San Juan Bautista organizations and nonprofits. A BBQ lunch will be available. Funds raised from the BBQ will be used for renovations of Luck Park. For more information, click here.

Women's Center Open House
Hazel Hawkins Hospital invites the community to visit the newly built Women's Center on Saturday, from 10 AM to 1 PM, at 911 Sunset Drive in Hollister. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the facility and meet obstetrical staff, as well as take advantage of free health screenings and participate in giveaways and other activities. For more info, read this article at BenitoLink.com.  

Northern California Renaissance Faire
This will be the last weekend of the Renaissance Faire at Casa de Fruta. Hours of the festival on both Saturday and Sunday are 10 AM to 6 PM. Head over to the Renaissance Faire's website for all the details you may want to know.  

 

Relay for Life Pumpkin Patch
The Casillas Garner Family and Friends Team are holding their annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on both Saturday and Sunday (10/13), from 10 AM to 7 PM,  at the old Ferry Morse Ranch on Highway 156. People can purchase pumpkins, fresh produce, baked goods, and a barbecue lunch. For more details, click here.

Swank Farms Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, and Haunted House Event
Every year Swank Farms creates a new elaborate and crazed corn maze for folks to make their way through. They also have a pumpkin patch, a kiddie corral, pedal go carts, and other fun activities for young and old. They're open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM through October. And, this Saturday night, from 6 PM to midnight, their haunted event called Terror in the Corn, Alien Invasion will be open for the brave of heart. To get all the details, click here.

Downtown Wine & Beer Stroll 
Taking place in historical downtown Hollister from 1 to 5 PM tomorrow afternoon will be a wine and beer stroll hosted by the Hollister Downtown Association. The event will provide an opportunity to learn about both downtown merchants and local wineries and breweries. Stroll participants will visit businesses and restaurants to taste samples of wines and beer. For more details, check out this Hollister Downtown Association web page.

BenitoLink.com Launch Party
BenitoLink.com is a free online resource for local news and information. Tomorrow evening, the nonprofit group will hold a launch party to formally introduce its website to the community. The party will be from 5 to 7 PM at  the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito Street. There will be live music and complimentary food and drinks. For more information, click here.

Another Great County Fair!

Who else went to the San Benito County Fair this past weekend? The Husband and I had lots of fun. Hope you all did, too.

There's nothing like wandering about the grounds. . .watching people. . . picking up free stuff. . .walking around the livestock. . .seeing the 4-H and FAA kids in their crisp uniforms. . .eating Silva hot link sandwiches. . .checking out the  entries. . .being amazed at the clever entrants' interpretations of themes. . .wishing we could eat the ribbon-winning cookies and cakes on display. . .bumping into friends. . .learning about new things around our county. . .hearing ribbon winners squeal in delight. . . and much, much more.

A huge round of applause to Kelly Ferreira, the manager of the San Benito County Fairgrounds, to his dedicated staff, and to the many volunteers for putting together another wonderful county fair for us. Thank you very much!

Would you like to see more photos of the 2013 San Benito County Fair? You're welcome to view my Facebook album by clicking here.  You won't need to sign on or even have a Facebook account to view it. Enjoy!

The 2013 San Benito County Fair

Whooo-hooo! It's the San Benito County Fair this weekend -- Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6. Are you excited, too? For information about this year's hours, ticket prices, and schedule, head over to the County Fair's website.

This year, the County Express will be offering a free shuttle to the fair. It drops off passengers near the Pavilion. That's rather convenient. Just think, no hiking a distance over uneven lawn. For the County Fair shuttle schedule, click here.

What do you like best about the fair? Me? I like it all.  To see some of my favorite things, check out the 2012 San Benito County Fair album at Facebook. (You don't need to have a Facebook account, or even be signed on, to view the album.)

Ding-a-Ling Cafe on Fourth

The Ding-a-Ling Cafe's new location is 696 Fourth Street. Have you been there yet since the owners moved from the airport a few months ago?

For you pilots, the cafe's new location is about 2 and 1/2 miles from the airport. But, if you're not into walking, the Ding-a-Ling delivers. The cafe's phone number is (831) 637-1566.

The other day, the Husband and I had breakfast for the first time in their new location. Food is as yummy as ever. Portions still happily large, too. I ate about  half of my large quesadilla (eggs, bacon, and jalapenos) and ate the other half for lunch the next day.

When I was a small kid in the 1960s, I remember the cafe being on Fourth, near or on the spot where the Cozy Cup is.  According to Rosa, the owner, the Ding-a-Ling was once by the Michoacano Restaurant further out on Fourth and on San Felipe Road where the Chevron Station is. I think she also mentioned one or two more places. Goes to show, nothing stops the Ding-a-Ling Cafe. Thank goodness.

FYI: Here's a post that I wrote about the Ding-a-Ling Cafe in 2010. Scroll down to the comments to find out how the cafe maybe got its name.

The Brick Beauty

If you're gonna take photos from 5th & San Benito, you cannot go home without one of the beautiful brick building on the northeast corner. Right? Right!

To learn more about the Victorian building that was constructed in the 1870s, click here.

The View from 5th & San Benito series
Click here if you want an answer to "Huh. Series?"

Color It Beautiful

This is looking west on Fifth Street. We've got a very cute town, don't you think?

The View from 5th & San Benito series
Click here if you want an answer to "Huh. Series?"

A Corner Reflection of 5th & San Benito

Reflecting on what thou might eat at the Pendergrass Restaurant?

Reflecting on what's behind thee?

The View from 5th & San Benito series
Click here if you want an answer to "Huh. Series?"

2013 Mexican Independence Day Parade

Yesterday by happen chance, I learned that the Mexican Independence Day was going to take place in  historical Downtown Hollister,  so I jumped on my bicycle and pedaled over.  It was a beautiful day for a parade.

Although a short parade, it was quite festive, watching the horsemen and horsewomen, the youngsters, dancers, musicians, and, politicans march their way down San Benito Street. For more photos of the parade, head over to Take 25's album on Facebook.

Today, September 16, is actually Mexican Independence Day. On September 16, 1810,  Mexico declared itself free of Spain and hence began the Mexican War of Independence. For a summary of El Grito de Independencia, check out this Wikipedia article.

In Elk's Time

I never knew there was a clock at the top of the Elk's building at 5th & San Benito until 10 years ago when I looked at a photo I had taken.  I should've looked up more often when I was a kid.

Did the Elk's horns move like the hands on a clock? Anyone know. What a great way to teach a kid how to tell time. The right horn is on the 3 and the left horn is on the 7, so the time is . . . .

The View from 5th & San Benito series
Click here if you want an answer to "Huh. Series?"

Finding Groucho in Downtown Hollister

I dunno. Put a big nose and mustache on this pole. What do you think: Groucho Marx?

Many thanks to the Hollister Downtown Association for installing and maintaining the beautiful hanging plants in historical downtown Hollister.

The View from 5th & San Benito series
Click here if you want an answer to "Huh. Series?"

One 'ell of a Law Firm

Lawyers! Many can't stand them. That is,  until one is needed. And, then, they hope they've found one 'ell of a lawyer.

The View from 5th & San Benito series
Click here if you want an answer to "Huh. Series?"

Hanging on the Corner of 5th & San Benito

One afternoon the Husband and I were sitting on the bench at the southwest corner of 5th and San Benito, after waddling down the sidewalk from eating a couple of yummylicious burgers at Grillin & Chillin Downtown. That's quite a delightful corner to watch the world go by on a lovely afternoon. As usual, the little non obtrusive camera found its way out of my purse and into my hands to click away. Voila! 

Wentz Alley

Without trying, I now have a series I shall call Hanging on the Corner of 5th and San Benito in Hysterical... okay, Historical...Downtown Hollister. Short title: The View from 5th & San Benito.

Bet you didn't know the series started last Friday with this post? Me, neither.

"The Plane, The Plane"

Who knows where this shop is in  historical downtown  Hollister? Who remembers what shop was there before it? (I don't know.) And, hmmm, who said, "The Plane, The Plane" and in what TV show?

The View from 5th & San Benito series
Click here if you want an answer to "Huh. Series?"

Tres Pinos, California

Tres Pinos is about five miles south of Hollister.  Highway 25 runs through the business section of the quaint little town of 476 residents, so you can't miss it.  

In Spanish, Tres Pinos means three pines. But, in this Tres Pinos, the three pines do not exist. Originally, the town was called Paicines, after the Indian tribe of the area. About five miles to the south of the current Tres Pinos is an even smaller town by the name of Paicines. Uh-huh. You got it. Once upon the same time, that village was called Tres Pinos for the three pines that stood alongside the nearby creek. Why the name switch? Click here for the story.
 

Things to Do

The San Benito County Historic Park

Tres Pinos may be small, but it has a lot to offer. On the southern edge of town is the beautiful Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, which is worth a stop to look inside and to  around the grounds. Head over to here to see a few photos of it.
By the way, don't be surprised if you suddenly hear a strange flutter above you and then the sight of legs sticking out from under colorful parachutes. The field across from the church is the drop zone for Skydive Hollister, the local skydiving outfit.

If you're into golf, or just want to hit a bucket of balls, stop by the Bolado Park Golf Club, about half-a-mile or less down the road. It's a public golf course with 9 holes.  

Or, if it's history that you want to escape into, stop at the nearby San Benito County Historical and Recrational Park to wander through the Historical Village. There's also a short trail that goes along the hillside above the park. Nice far-away views from there.

The San Benito County Fairgrounds, more popularly known as Bolado Park, is also located in Tres Pinos. RV camping is available year-round on the lovely grounds. Two of the largest events held there each year are the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo in June and, of course, the County Fair, which will be from October 4 to 6 this year.

Crepes from Flapjack's Country Cafe

Restaurants

When you're hungry, you don't have to go far to fill your tummies with yummy food and drink. Heading back north from Bolado Park on Highway 25, your choices include:

• Club House Grill at the Bolado Park Golf Club 
• 19th Hole Booze & Food 
• Inn at Tres Pinos 
• Flapjack's Country Cafe 
• La Fogata  

Organic Crops

Some of the best tasting chickens, eggs, and walnuts are produced in Tres Pinos. Paul and Leti Hain of Hain Ranch Organics sell their products at farmers markets and through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Folks can also purchase their goods directly at their farm on harvest days. You can't get any fresher than that!  Check out their website for details.  Be sure to watch the video in which Paul describes how he raises the chickens. 

A delivery of chickies to the Hain Ranch Organics.

New Stores Coming Soon

Who else is surprised how quickly Walgreen's is going up at the corner of Highway 25 and Tres Pinos Road? When they first began construction, I could not see how a big pharmacy like Walgreen's could fit in that seemingly awkward space. When I saw the building the other day, I was  amazed at how big  it is.

 A Toy Store

Have you heard about Zeebee Toys near Staples? It's not open yet, but it does have a Facebook page. Check it out.

Available Parking on the Moon

As I was walking on East Street towards the Vet Building last week, I happened to glance up to see this alignment of the moon and the sign. Just imagine.

By the way, have you seen the moon the past few days? It has been full of light.  It'll be completely full tonight. And, it's a blue moon, too. No, it's not the second full moon in August. That interpretation of some long ago theory is incorrect. Check out this article if you want to read about what a blue moon actually is. 

Now, don't you want to hear the song "Blue Moon" now? Here are Julie London's version, the Mavericks' version,  and Harpo Marx's version.

It is a Bunny!

Once upon a time, sweet and not-so-sweet bunny rabbits hopped, scrambled, and roamed the hill sides -- and later fields and orchards -- of Hollister. Then came the flow of cement and the growth of neighborhoods upon it. The bunnies eventually disappeared, moving onward to the beyond, both in the sky and to other lands.

But, hark! Frozen in space and time in one of the neighborhoods is this bunny rabbit.

Wordless Wednesday -- Gone Away

 

I'm having fun today and participating in a couple of Wordless Wednesday blog hops. Check out other participants, why don't you?

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday @ The Jenny Evolution

Looking Through the Gap

When you stand next to the Old City Hall on Fifth Street and look straight across through the gap between the Vault and the Granada Theater,  you'll see a wonderful sight and site.

Today, I'm hooking up with Sundays in My City. Click here to see photos of other cities in the world.

Looking Good, Hollister!

Click. Click. 

"I love how downtown looks with those mountains in the background," I said to the Husband as I inched closer into the street to get a better picture of the Gavilans to the south of Hollister.

You know what I mean. 

At Sunset

Where oh where am I? On a hill above the east end of Cienega Road. I'm looking southeast. Somewhere down there is Highway 25. Yes, I'm sure that's it.

2013 Downtown Hollister Street Festival and Car Show

Click. Click. Click.

Yes, there were lots of gorgeous cars at last week's annual Downtown Hollister Street Festival and Car Show. Also, lots of people of all ages enjoying the cars, the live music and performances, and free watermelon. What did you like most?

To see more photos of the event, head over to this photo album at the Take 25 to Hollister  Facebook wall.

Indian Canyon Storytelling and Indigenous Gathering

 

A couple of Saturdays ago, the Husband and I with the buddy Dave, spent a joyous afternoon at the 17th Annual Storytelling and Indigenous Gathering held in Indian Canyon, off of Cienega Road. Story tellers and artists of the Ohlone, Chumash, Cherokee, Aztec, and other indigenous communities came together that afternoon to tell traditional and new tales in words, music, and dance. Hosts for the event were Ann-Marie Sayers, the chairwoman of Indian Canyon, and artist and activist Kanyon Sayers-Roods. (By the way, did you know that Indian Canyon is the only recognized "Indian Country" along the central coast?)

One of the featured speakers was Eddie Madril, a member of the Pascua Yacqui tribe of Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico, whose last story was the hoop dance. These photos only give you an inkling of the beauty and wonder of his story. Here's a Youtube video with Madril in which he talks about and performs the hoop dance.

A Cut-out Fence

I love how these people over on Riverside Road think!

Fun in the Sun in Downtown Hollister

This Saturday, July 20, 2013, is the 27th annual Hollister Street Festival, which includes a car show and a swap meet. San Benito Street will be closed from Fourth to South Streets. The swap meet, which is new this year, will take place on Sixth Street. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is freeeeeeeee!  You can't beat that.

The festival is brought to us each year by the Hollister Downtown Association (HDA). We truly appreciate their hard work. For more details about the festival, check out the HDA link.

The image of the Hollister Street Festival and Car Show poster is courtesy of the Hollister Downtown Association.  Thank you, Sharlene and the whole HDA crew. 

New Biz: One of a Kind Arts

Don't you just love the fact that new shops and restaurants have opened, or about to open, in Hollister?

Just before the Fourth of July, the Husband and I came across One of a Kind Arts, a new boutique on Fifth Street, next to the Granada Theater. It was the end of the day, so all we could do was peep in the windows.

According to the One of a Kind Arts website, the store is "A year round Arts and Crafts Fair that features handmade, unique, vintage and one of a kind items." Local artisans can sell directly to the public through the shop. How cool is that?

Check it out for yourself. Here are the links to the One of a Kind Arts website and its Facebook page.

Buena fortuna, One of a Kind Arts!

"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!