A rundown of summer activities in San Benito
School is out and summer starts next Tuesday. While many locals
might be heading out on vacations, there is plenty to do for
families here in San Benito County. Here is a round-up of some of
the best bets to keep busy this summer, including some free
activities.
For more events and activities, check the Weekend Pinnacle’s
calendar section each week in the Life section.
A rundown of summer activities in San Benito
School is out and summer starts next Tuesday. While many locals might be heading out on vacations, there is plenty to do for families here in San Benito County. Here is a round-up of some of the best bets to keep busy this summer, including some free activities.
For more events and activities, check the Weekend Pinnacle’s calendar section each week in the Life section.
San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo
For many residents, the start of the summer season is signaled by the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo. This year is no different. While the Miss San Benito Rodeo Contest was held last weekend, more events are scheduled for this weekend and next.
A memorial roping event will be held June 18, at 9 a.m., free to spectators. On June 19, there will be figure-8 roping eliminations, free to spectators. On June 23 there will be the Saddle Horse Parade in downtown Hollister at 6 p.m. Then on June 24 there will be a variety of events, including the first day of the horse show and rodeo at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for toddlers through 11-year-olds. The rodeo continues June 25 and 26, starting at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $4 for kids. Other attractions include a Kids Corral, the Association Museum and a rodeo clown. For more information or a schedule of events, go to SanBenitoCountyRodeo.com.
Downtown events
Downtown Farmers’ Market
It is Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through September, on Fifth Street between San Benito and Monterey streets.
Residents can shop for fresh produce, flowers, specialty baked goods, olive oils, meat and more each week in downtown. The market included musical entertainment, arts and crafts for sale, a bounce house and face painting for children.
Hollister Street Festival and Car Show
The 25th anniversary Street Festival and Car Show is July 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Hollister. The deadline for vendors is June 24. The deadline to enter the car show is June 17 and the deadline to enter a pedal car is July 8. Volunteers are still needed. Admission is free for spectators and features live entertainment, a kids’ zone, a poker walk and free watermelon. Those who are interested in volunteering or getting more information can call 636-8406 or visit www.downtownhollister.org.
Outdoor movies
Movies Under the Stars
The Hollister Downtown Association and the Hollister Youth Alliance paired up to put together this summer’s Movies Under the Stars at Dunne Park, Thursday nights, from July 7-28. The movies begin half an hour after dusk and admission is free. Popcorn, pizza and other refreshments will be available.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and guests are asked not to bring pets, alcoholic beverages, coolers and to refrain from smoking.
“Monsters vs. Aliens” July 7, sponsored by Hazel Hawkins Hospital and Recology.
The movie is about Susan Murphy, a California girl, who is turned into a giant on her wedding day. She joins a ragtag group of monsters who fight against aliens who want to take over the world.
“Megamind” July 14, sponsored by Community Foundation for San Benito County
A down-and-out super villain struggles to get his groove back when he’s left without an arch nemesis.
“Despicable Me” July 21, sponsored by Santa Barbara Bank and Trust
Bad guy Gru works with an army of minions to plan the biggest heist of all time.
“How to Train Your Dragon” July 28, sponsored by the San Benito Health Foundation
In the time of Vikings, Hiccup is a weakling who is the embarrassment of his father and others in his tribe. To prove himself, he has to learn to fight dragons, but he discovers a different way to gain the respect of others.
Summer movie series in San Juan
The Plaza History Association of San Juan Bautista State Historical Park, the San Juan Elementary home and school club, and Earthbound Farms is sponsoring a summer movie series at the San Juan Bautista Elementary School soccer field. All viewings are free and start at sunset. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
“Megamind,” June 24
A down-and-out super villain struggles to get his groove back when he’s left without an arch nemesis.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark,” July 29
Archeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.
“Despicable Me,” Aug. 16
Bad guy Gru works with an army of minions to plan the biggest heist of all time.
“Vertigo,” Sept. 30
Parts of this 1958 Alfred Hitchcock thriller were filmed in San Juan Bautista. In it a San Francisco detective investigates the strange activities of an old friend’s wife.
Summer reading programs
‘One World, Many Stories’
Readers of all ages will travel the globethis summer, as San Benito County Free Library presents “One World, Many Stories,” and for the teens, “You are Here,” during its summer reading program. The 2011 Summer Reading Program is open to all youth, from babies to young adults, with programs, story time, music, crafts and more. Families are invited to join, and even if your child can’t read yet, they can still earn prizes for having a friend or family member read to them.
For the children’s program, all kids have to do is read and record the titles in their reading log. There will be a final goal to complete, for which kids will receive a book and additional prizes. The teen program will be “Reading Bingo,” where teens fill out a Bingo card based on their reading and research. For this program, they may win free books, gift cards and other exciting things.
In addition to the reading logs and gifts, the library will be hosting special weekly events throughout the summer. These will take place on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and include themed story time, craft activities, performances and other fun stuff.
Registration begins on June 16 and the program will end on July 21. Kids can register online at www.sanbenitofl.org or in person at 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information, please call the library at 831-636-4107 ext. 22. All programs are free of charge
Story time in San Juan
Julie Engelhardt will be hosting free story times at the San Juan Bautista Library, 801 Second St., in San Juan Bautista, July 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m. The programs run 45 minutes long. For more information, call 635-9674.
Summer music
Guerra Cellars’ Hollister Concerts
Guerra Cellars presents Hollister Concerts on the Green at the Peppertree Ranch. The outdoor venue has amphitheater-style seating. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low lawn chairs, only 12-inches off the ground. Gates open one hour prior to show time. Carry-in food is permitted, but no alcoholic beverages are allowed. Barbecue items, beer, wine and soda are available for purchase. Hats and sunscreen are suggested as there is no shaded seating.
Great Freedom Concert, July 2, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., $15 admission, $5 parking
Performers include Fortunate Son, John Fogerty and the Credence Clearwater Tribute, The Refugees (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute) and Mid Lifes.
The Marshall Tucker Band, plus Brad Wilson, July 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, $25 admission, $10 parking.
Asia featuring John Payne, The Robert Berry Band, and an opener to be announced, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $25 admission, $10 parking.
Blues and BarBQ, other artists to be announced, Aug. 27, details to follow
Desperado, an Eagle Tribute band, Sept. 24, details to follow
Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival
The Northern California Bluegrass Society will again host the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival at Bolado Park Fairgrounds Aug. 12-14. Adult gate tickets are $85, advance tickets are available through July 25 for $65, and members of the Society can buy advanced tickets for $45. For more information, visit www.scbs.org.
‘The Music Man’
San Benito Stage Company presents Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man,” July 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 at 7 p.m. and July 17, 24 and 30 at 2 p.m., at the Granada Theatre, 336 Fifth St., in Hollister. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for student/senior or $42 for a group 4-pack (available through advance purchase only.) Tickets are available at Postal Graphics and Pinnacle Floor Coverings. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Save the Music Drive. For more information, visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
