Tag: mark cresswell

The promoter of the Hollister Rally for the past two years has departed from the role, and the Hollister Downtown Association is searching for a replacement to potentially put on a 2015 event.

Despite a rich history, Hollister’s motorcycle rally has been plagued by inconsistency in recent years. In early 2006 and late 2008, Hollister officials canceled the city’s signature event – which drew an annual attendance nearing 100,000 for the three-day gatherings – largely due to skyrocketing security bills and losses to the general fund.

With the Hollister Rally headed toward a second year back, Manager Mark Cresswell from Worldwide Dynamics envisions possibly expanding the event to three days for the 2014 rally.

For the first time in a while, the Hollister Rally will finish in the black financially.

While motorcycle aficionados are likely looking forward to the return of the Hollister Motorcycle Rally this weekend, local nonprofits are also excited about what the revived event means for them.

Officials are on the right track with planning for a revived motorcycle rally by hiring a qualified event manager, drastically cutting the law enforcement budget and - perhaps most poignantly - putting those hogs back on the main drag.

The city’s signature tradition is ready for a reawakening after five years in hibernation and gained unanimous support from the Hollister council this week.

Hollister officials have estimated that law enforcement would cost $113,400 for a 2013 motorcycle rally – an amount that is less than one-third of the bill for security at the most recent biker event in 2008.

The city's signature event and its best chance for renewed economic activity has been dormant over the past four years, so it is good to see city council members are showing serious interest in reviving a Hollister motorcycle rally in July 2013.