There was something for every generation Saturday at the 17th
annual Hollister Street Festival, as thousands from near and far
trekked downtown to enjoy classic cars, food, fun and family.
The downtown summer tradition included rides and exhibitions for
children, vendors and a classic car show for everyone to enjoy.
The Street Festival, presented by the Hollister Downtown
Association, is geared toward increasing foot traffic in the
historic downtown district.
There was something for every generation Saturday at the 17th annual Hollister Street Festival, as thousands from near and far trekked downtown to enjoy classic cars, food, fun and family.
The downtown summer tradition included rides and exhibitions for children, vendors and a classic car show for everyone to enjoy.
The Street Festival, presented by the Hollister Downtown Association, is geared toward increasing foot traffic in the historic downtown district.
Musical appearances included Kenjiklay, Knucklebone, Elvis & the Lawmen, Frisbees and Blue Heat. From alternative rock and country to Latin, the bands covered most genres and filled anyone’s appetite.
Tacos, shrimp, smoothies, frozen lemonade and pretzels were just a few of the tasty treats appearing in this year’s food court.
Vendors for jewelry, clothing, headgear and unique stools from around the Bay Area set up in the middle of the San Benito Street in between Fourth and Sixth streets.
“There was more looking and less buying this year,” said Jennifer McKay of Concord, who along with her husband Richard own the stool business.
Democratic and Republican advocates staged themselves in booths to gain support and update people about the upcoming elections.
Also, agencies geared toward youths handed out information.
“I think today was successful,” said Lupe Maldonado of the San Benito Youth Council. “We gave out a lot of substance abuse prevention information and the kids did great in their dance.”
The SBYC has participated in the Street Festival for four years. Its dance group, Dance Live, performed at the youth stage.
Nearly 60 classic cars were entered into this year’s car show. Some of the historic cars were well known as well as eye-appealing for every age group.
A 1953 Corvette, No. 207 of only 300 made, owned by Bruce Hansen, is the only one known to have original outside door handles.
“My friend brought his car so we came to see him,” said Salinas resident Sami Walton. “But, I hope that next year’s car show is bigger.”
Show-stoppers included Chevrolet Camaros, Ford Mustangs, an El Camino and a Cobra.
Another car-show advocate, Natalie Mendez, hoped to see the car show in a more central location for next year’s festival.
“The cars are truly art pieces,” she said. “They should be in the middle for everyone to enjoy. They should be the focus, but, that is just my opinion.”
“This show was great. Everyone is so friendly and the weather was great. And of course there were beautiful cars,” said 1957 Chevy Bel-Air owner Ruben Ruybal.
Ruybal, a resident of Pacific Grove, is only the second owner of the car, which was originally purchased in Hollister.
Children and their families watched dance presentations, gymnastics exhibitions and cheer promotions performed by USA Sports Connection, Galaxy Cheerleaders, Laura’s Dance Academy and Dance Live.
A Titanic slide, an inflatable obstacle course, carnival games and carnival-style treats were also available for children to enjoy.
“The carnival was so much fun,” said 7-year-old Jayden Erickson. “The girls dancing and flipping was fun to look at while my daddy looked at cars.”
“Overall, I think it went really well,” said festival chairperson and HDA Executive Director Liz Kresky. “A lot of people showed up and the weather was great.”
Olivia Ward, 19, of Hollister had so much fun, she can’t wait until next year.
“I have been coming to the festival for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I’ve only missed it a few times and I can’t wait for next year.”
