Airport Director Mike Chambless believes the sky might be falling for the Hollister Airshow – unless council members schedule a date soon for 2013.
Council members Monday delayed a decision on the Hollister Airport Advisory Commission’s recommendation to move the air show from Memorial Day weekend to July 5-7.
Air show organizers, including Chambless, are pushing to schedule the fourth annual event over a July 4 weekend. They say the only option is a holiday weekend – because neighboring businesses are forced to close otherwise – and that the Fourth of July is the only time frame available in the summer because Labor Day is already taken by the Watsonville Fly-in & Air Show.
Other officials, including Councilman Robert Scattini, have argued the city should prevent scheduling the air show near July 4 because he and fellow Hollister biker rally supporters are hoping to revive that event and organize it for the same time frame, as was tradition before its cancellation after the 2008 rally.
Chambless on Monday spoke to council members, as they considered the July 5-7 dates for 2013, and warned them that time is running short to plan for next year. He said aside from having time to make the usual arrangements, sponsors prefer signing on as early as possible.
With a scheduling move, organizers are counting on an attendance boost and additional revenue to offset losses, such as the $18,000 hit in 2012.
With Mayor Ray Friend absent, council members delayed consideration on the July 5-7 proposal until the next meeting Sept. 3.
Scattini pointed out, meanwhile, that he and Friend have been talking with promoters and could bring something forward in September regarding prospects for a future rally.
