Question of the Week Answers: Move rally date?

Panelists and readers answered the following: Do you agree with the idea of moving the Hollister Freedom Rally to the second weekend in July?
Ruth Erickson Here we go again! A proposal to hold the motorcycle rally on the second weekend of July. It’s deja vu! The reason the rally was called the Hollister Independence Rally and now the Hollister Freedom Rally is because when the history began in the 1930s, all the motorcycle events took place on or as close to July 4 as possible. The second weekend of July was tried before, with most people not having three or four days off, so less attendance, less income for the vendors and local businesses with a double whammy for local bars and similar businesses not being able to sell alcohol after midnight, so even less income. Let’s stick with our tried and true signature event known all over the world. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! 
Nants Foley: The beauty of having it over the Fourth is that it is a three-day weekend for most so it can generate more revenue. The downside is it pretty much dominates the town and destroys our old-fashioned ambiance. Frankly, I’m usually up to my elbows in Blenheim apricots that time of year so I don’t really care! 
Bill Mifsud: Yes. It does not affect me at all. It just makes it easier for those to mark on the calendar permanently. 
Richard Herrera: I do. Seems like a good idea and it would be less expensive to hire security on a non holiday weekend. If it doesn’t work out next year we should move it back to the 4th of July.  
Diana Boots Saigo: No … most folks get a three-day weekend for the Fourth. Maybe they should talk to the city of Sturgis. At the rate Hollister is going, this will be a non-existent rally in a couple of years. 
Ruben Duarte: With all the open land around the area, just move out into the open, fence the area off for easy crowd control, and let ONLY the local bars and restaurants set up beer tents and snack bars. Give them a fireworks show to boot. A stage could also be set up for some local bands and a headliner or two. Come on Hollister, do I have to come up with everything?  
Mike Zendejas: No, the reason why so many people can me it out to the rally is because people have that extra day off for the holiday. Is the extra revenue worth the extra expense of police and other services? If you ask me, it is worth the extra expense. Less people equals less revenue. 
Terry Mora: Yes! It is difficult for police and local businesses to handle the two events together, Spreading it out may work out better. Change the date. 
Cassondra Sanchez: Yes it is great idea. The city will save a ton of money (overtime pay) and actually be able to recruit enough outside officers to work it. Besides, maybe (here’s to wishful thinking) it could help alleviate some of the illegal fireworks we have. 
Sandra Leigh Clinton: No leave it for the Fourth.