The Independence Rally may be the biggest event of the year, by
far, in Hollister, but that hasn’t translated into automatic
acceptance by the community, such as that received by the Garlic
Festival in Gilroy. Small wonder. The two events attract distinctly
different crowds.
The Independence Rally may be the biggest event of the year, by far, in Hollister, but that hasn’t translated into automatic acceptance by the community, such as that received by the Garlic Festival in Gilroy. Small wonder. The two events attract distinctly different crowds.
But HIRC – the Hollister Independence Rally Committee – has come of age. Next year will be the 10th Hollister Independence Rally since the event was institutionalized in 1997. We believe the Rally is a good thing, and also that a majority of county residents think so too.
But in order to further broaden community support, we think HIRC should consider a few changes next year.
The unfortunate death of visiting motorcyclist Richard Flores, who was killed the Thursday evening before the rally by a suspected drunk driver, plus the 48 DUIs handed out by the CHP and Hollister police, suggest that there needs to be a more proactive approach to discouraging drinking and driving during the Rally.
We suggest that next year HIRC consider creating a shuttle system for campers staying at Bolado Park, along with a secure parking area for bikes so they won’t be vulnerable while parked overnight.
Additionally, HIRC should miss no opportunity, in its brochures and other publicity, to stress the importance of responsible drinking. Most bikers don’t bring along a designated rider.
And law enforcement should consider setting up – and publicizing in advance – floating sobriety check points. As people who operate them know, it’s not necessary to stop every car for a checkpoint to be a deterrent to drinking and riding.
Finally, HIRC should consider hiring a firm to do an economic impact study during next year’s rally, to find out how much money visitors leave behind at local bars, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, etc. Such a study could go a long way to bolstering support in the community.
In 1999 Garlic Festival organizers did one and found a positive impact to the tune of $6.2 million annually for an event that last year cost $1.6 to put on. Gilroy officials caution that hiring a reputable firm is key, because the numbers can be so easily skewed. They suggest approaching nearby universities, and also recommended the firm they used, Davidson-Peterson Associates, Inc. of Kennebunk, Maine.
It’s in HIRC’s best interest to demonstrate its value, in hard dollars and cents – as well as to make the event as safe as possible.
