Hollister
– In San Benito County, the month of June means two things.
There are fresh, ripe orchard cherries, and then there’s the annual
countywide rodeo.
Hollister – In San Benito County, the month of June means two things. There are fresh, ripe orchard cherries, and then there’s the annual countywide rodeo.
The ropin’, ridin’ and wranglin’ is slated to take over Bolado Park starting Friday, but signs of the 74th Annual San Benito County Saddle Horse Show & Rodeo already are present in downtown Hollister.
Several local stores have dressed their windows and stores with rodeo paraphernalia, reminding locals of the event.
“We’re trying to get (people) motivated and boost enthusiasm about the show,” Rodeo Director Mark Wright said.
The decorations were judged Tuesday by Rodeo Queen Amanda Jacobsen with the help of the 2006 winner Alethea Prewett.
Three local downtown businesses took part in the event: San Benito Bank, She’s and Precious Petals. All stores showed a flair for the cowboy life, with creative decorations giving customers a taste for the rodeo fun yet to come.
This year, San Benito Bank was chosen as the winner.
“It’s a lot of personal opinions and what you like,” Prewett said.
The festivities officially commence Thursday with the Downtown Rodeo Parade at 6pm on San Benito Street.
Hollister resident Carol Garcia said she gets excited about the parade each year because it signifies area roots.
“I love our parade. It’s so hometown,” she said.
Jessica French, executive director of the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the parade, said parade-goers would not be let down Thursday.
“It’s just exciting for people to see all the different floats and riders,” French said. “People of all ages come out: kids, adults, senior citizens. They go out early to get their lawn chairs on the streets.”
The parade has 74 entries, including floats, equestrians, color guards and other attractions.
After the parade, residents can head down to the Veterans Memorial Hall for the Saddle Horse Show Fiesta.
The fiesta will feature hands-on activities for young children, including a stick-horse race, face painting and roping demonstrations. There will also be a live band and food.
One downfall of the parade is arm fatigue from the constant waving at the crowd. No one knows this better than the rodeo queens.
“When you wave the whole way down, your arm is pretty much dead,” Prewett said.
