Hollister
– As far as 3-year-old Marcus Galdos can tell, there are two
reasons to come to the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show Parade –
horses and fire engines.
Hollister – As far as 3-year-old Marcus Galdos can tell, there are two reasons to come to the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show Parade – horses and fire engines.
Or maybe three.
“I like bicycles, too,” he added, waving intently as a throng of Hollister residents biked by in the parade.
Marcus watched the parade seated on the curb of San Benito Street next to his sister, 7-year-old Ashley Galdos. The siblings have come to the parade since infancy.
Marcus excitedly pointed out his favorite horses and approaching fire engines, while Ashley waited patiently for the cheerleaders – her favorite part of the parade.
Many people came dressed in cowboy hats and gear, excited about the parade marking the beginning of the 74th Annual San Benito County Horse Show & Rodeo weekend. For many, the event is a link between the agricultural history of the county and its future.
The parade drew a large crowd of county residents Tuesday evening. People lined the street from Palmtag Drive to Fifth Street. Some came early, setting up lawn chairs in the late afternoon and bringing picnic dinners.
Most of the under-10 crowd came out to see the animals, and they weren’t disappointed. The horses ranged from the dog-sized miniature horse to Clydesdales, and came in nearly every color and breed.
Chardonay Gates, 6, came to the parade dressed in full cowgirl finery. Wearing a hat and shiny cowboy boots, she said she hopes to someday be in the parade.
“I want to ride a horse,” she said.
While the fanfare of people and floats parading down San Benito Street kept the children engaged, others came out to socialize.
San Juan Bautista resident Susan Mesa, 76, who has been coming to the parade “as long as it’s been,” said she enjoys seeing old friends and meeting new people at the communitywide event.
Her son-in-law, Bob Lopez, echoed that sentiment.
“I come just to see people,” he said. “Like they say, the only times you see your friends and neighbors are weddings, services … and the parade.”
While many San Benito County residents have been coming out for the parade for years, some were new to its festivities.
Robbie Skinner, 11, came along at the urging of Andrew Colton, 12. Andrew has watched the parade many times and has participated with his Little League team, but he pointed out that the parade was more fun with a friend.
“This is my first time,” Robbie said, adding, “It’s pretty awesome.”
The parade brings out new Hollister residents and people who have been here for generations.
Longtime resident Ed Mora said he doesn’t make it to the rodeo because of the heat, but comes to the parade each year.
His reason for coming?
“It’s right there,” he said, gesturing to a group of children waving from a float. “See all these kids? They’re our future.”
