I’ve been reading letters to the editor bashing the Hollister
Independence Rally, and I’d like to point out some of the positives
of the event and some of the fun parts of our community’s Fourth of
July celebrations.
Editor,
I’ve been reading letters to the editor bashing the Hollister Independence Rally, and I’d like to point out some of the positives of the event and some of the fun parts of our community’s Fourth of July celebrations.
Bikers have been coming here to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend since the 1930’s with the “Gypsy Tour.” Our very own San Benito County Top Hatter’s motorcycle club is one of the oldest in the United Sates, being formed in 1947.
We should remember the benefits our rally brings to motels, gas stations, bars, camp grounds, restaurants and many other businesses from San Jose to King City, from Los Banos to Monterey. In fact, it’s a shame we don’t have more motels here for all the visitors and vendors to stay in San Benito County. Let’s remember all the local businesses who rented out their store fronts to vendors and made more in the three days than on any other weekend selling their own merchandise.
Hundreds of dedicated volunteers help and raise funds for their organizations and have a great deal of fun doing so. The hard-working Hollister Independence Rally should be commended for giving us such a great event for locals and visitors. Our rally is one of the biggest in the country and certainly puts Hollister on the map for people all over the world.
Some locals disapprove of our mere three-day event (out of 365 days in the year). They don’t like the crowds, loud noise, closed streets or the inconvenience of closed stores. But neighboring Monterey County has all kinds of events lasting two to seven days throughout the year where state highways and city streets have huge traffic jams or are closed. Some events have loud music, roaring motorcycles, fast cars, and international golfing events. Most residents in Monterey County embrace the tourist dollar, detour the road problems and realize that there are calm days in between each event. We have 362 days between our rallies!
Other cities across this country look forward to their annual motorcycle events which bring in far more bikers to often far smaller towns than Hollister – and they have far less of a law enforcement presence. What can we learn from their rallies and communities? Let’s embrace what we have and improve with experience!
For those who have said that the rally has stopped various community events, I’d like the record put straight. We still have a wonderful, community firework show on July Fourth at Margaret Maze School. There is the popular July Fourth “Kiddie Parade” with bikes, trikes, scooters, strollers and children outfitted in festive, patriotic red, white and blue. The parade led by Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross, gives American flags to all participants. And there are speeches, patriotic songs and refreshments at the end of the event. There are more neighborhood block parties than ever before, with potlucks and fireworks in the evening. Families and friends get together for backyard barbecues – just as they have always done.
Most downtown business have seldom or never been open on holidays, Sundays or holiday Mondays, except restaurants, bars, mini-marts and supermarkets. The rally had very little to do with that.
If law enforcement leaders visited other rallies they’d see how few officers keep the peace. Let’s embrace this event and grow with it!
Ruth Erickson, Hollister
