One of My Favorite Hollister Things

The trees lining Monterey Street make that street one of my favorite ones in Downtown Hollister. This scene is in front of the original Hazel Hawkins Hospital at the corner of Monterey and Hawkins Streets. Do you have a favorite Hollister street to walk, bicycle, or drive?

The Rock-Eating Monster

The Husband says this huge monstrous system grinds up gravel. I've never gone by it when it's working. Be kinda cool to see the monster in action. It's near McCray Street, south of Hillcrest Road.

Aromas Day 2015

This year I plan on going to Aromas Day on Sunday, August 30, 2015. It's an annual event celebrating the cute little town of Aromas, California, which is in both San Benito County and Monterey County. Everyone is invited to this free community event, which runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to the Aromas Day website, the day will start at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Aromas Grange. The breakfast will be offered until 11 a.m. The food and vendor booths will open at 9 a.m.  Lots of live music with different artists every hour will perform every hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration will also feature a parade, a classic car display, artwork by local artists and artisans, a book sale at Aromas Library, and much, much more. Check out this link for details.

I'm looking forward to Aromas Day.  See you there!

Music in the Park

Saturday, August 29, 2015, is the date for the first of three upcoming free Music in the Park concerts in Downtown Hollister. Everyone is invited—young and old, singles and families. 

The concert will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Dunne Memorial Park on Seventh Street, between West and Powell Streets. 

The performers will be Mr. O's Jazz Band and David Huboi and the Architecturals.

Mr. O's Jazz Band at the 2014 San Benito County Fair

The concerts will be held near the tennis courts. Planners say to bring a blanket and/or low-back chairs to sit on. And, yes, we can also bring a picnic or refreshments. Reminder: No wine, beer, or any other kind of alcohol is allowed in the city park. 

The next concerts will be September 26, 2015 and October 24, 2015. Both Saturdays.

Mr. O's Academy of the Arts is sponsoring the free concerts. 

If any musicians and bands would like to perform at future concerts, contact Mr. O. (Contact details are on Mr. O's Academy's website.)

For more details on this Saturday's event, check out this Facebook page. 

David Huboi & The Architecturals at the 2013 San Benito Olive Festival

The Corner of Sixth & Monterey Streets

I like that big old palm tree on the northwest corner of Sixth and Monterey Streets, the one in front of the Porter House. It's a great place to pause for shade while walking.

Across the street is Hoyle Plaza. Ever wonder who Hoyle was?

Longtime locals remember Millard Hoyle, Jr., the owner and publisher of the Free Lance from 1941 to 1986. He took it over when his father died, who purchased the paper in 1917. The building on Sixth Street that houses Mr. O's Academy used to be the headquarters of the once-upon-a-time daily newspaper.