It’s an engine that rumbles for three consecutive days, and the
2003 model was the loudest in a seven-year history for the
Hollister Independence Rally.
It’s an engine that rumbles for three consecutive days, and the 2003 model was the loudest in a seven-year history for the Hollister Independence Rally.
On Saturday alone, organizers estimated an attendance of 85,000 to 100,000 – about the same as last year’s entire rally.
Even Capt. Bob Brooks of the Hollister Police Department said a “general consensus” of officers agreed 2003 drew more people than last year.
“We blew the record out this year,” said David Ventura, treasurer of the Hollister Independence Rally Committee.
Ventura said he talked with vendors and spectators throughout the weekend and a majority of visitors enjoyed the experience.
“We pack ’em in. We feed ’em. We sell ’em stuff. And we keep ’em happy,” said Bob Beals, interim executive director HIRC and the man who ultimately oversaw the rally.
The rally officially began in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of an incident in 1947 that reportedly included a group of bikers invading the small farm town. It was grounds for the 1954 movie, “The Wild One.”
While the populace at Hollister’s modern rally may not run rampant through town, the sights, sounds and smells once again molded the residential community into a motorcycle museum.
Throughout the weekend, spectators walking along San Benito Street were treated, or disgruntled, with the extraordinary view of amassed motorcycles and bikers.
“It’s like a family reunion,” said Hollister resident Russ Mohkovic, dressed in classic biker apparel, on Sunday. “We don’t know the people, but we’re connected by motorcycles. I could go up to anybody. It’s like family.”
“They should have it every day,” added his friend, Monty Perry, also from Hollister.
Smells, both bitter and sweet, permeated downtown. The intermittent aroma of grilled and fried food was tangled by the stench of exhaust.
Spectators overlooked fences guarding San Benito Street, peering and pointing at motorcycles like kids excitedly watching Major League batting practice.
And along with the biker culture attracted to the Hollister Independence Rally, came a constant stream of black leather, long facial hair and skimpy clothes.
“We love the bikers. We love their money even more,” said Hollister resident John Buchanan, a member of the local branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Buchanan guarded the exit door at the VFW’s beer garden inside the Veterans Memorial Building because spectators could not leave the area with alcohol.
“The bike crowds I’ve met – they’re friendly, they’re courteous and they’re here for fun,” Buchanan said. “They haven’t given us a lick of trouble.”
Coinciding with this year’s increased attendance, the rally’s official beer garden organized by the Hollister Rotary Club drew record sales.
Rotary Club member and Hollister resident Bruce Beats oversaw its operation. He said overall sales increased about 20-25 percent over last year. Sales on Friday tripled the 2002 opening day, largely because it fell on July 4 this year, according to Rotary member Mark Vivian.
“The weather has been good. The people have been good. The whole crowd has been cooperative,” Vivian said. “It’s a great fund-raiser, and it all goes back to the community.”
Other traditions that continued this year included the Miss Hollister Rally Pageant, Biker Games, tattoo and arm wrestling contests, the Burnout Contest, the Top Hatter’s Poker Run and a host of live music.
A 100th anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycle was raffled by HIRC to Kathy Gullett, who is not from the area.
Hollister’s Brandi Sweeney, a 23-year-old preschool teacher, won the Rally Pageant and will be the 2004 rally poster girl.
“It was awesome,” she said. “I worked so hard on it for six months.”
The 2004 event will likely continue the rally’s growth trend, according to organizers. Beals said HIRC may approach the Hollister City Council about expanding the rally to the south next year.
“I think there’s always ways to improve,” Beals said. “Things went pretty well, considering the fact we had record attendance.”
