In a flash of shining chrome, swarms of bikers will once again
transform Hollister into a motorcycle haven.
In a flash of shining chrome, swarms of bikers will once again transform Hollister into a motorcycle haven.
The 2003 Hollister Independence Rally, which officially started in 1997 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Invasion,” runs Friday through Sunday in downtown Hollister. Organizers expect slightly more than last year’s estimated attendance of 100,000.
“Just have fun and enjoy our city,” said Mayor Brian Conroy. “Hollister welcomes you.”
About the same number of vendors as last year, 140, will inhabit Fourth to South streets and Monterey to Sally streets. They will sell such items as art, jewelry, eye wear and motorcycle apparel. Vendors will open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
A host of returning entertainment opportunities will be available throughout the weekend, including live music, a custom car show, an arm-wrestling contest, the Motordome Wall of Death Stunt Show and a tattoo contest.
“It’s going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Mike Chappelear, president of the Hollister Independence Rally Committee. He said HIRC prepares throughout the year, and promotional campaigns began in early January.
Downtown businesses are also prepared for the rally, particularly the bars and restaurants.
“I couldn’t begin to describe to you,” said Charisse Tyson, owner of Johnny’s Bar and Grill, regarding “months of preparation” that have gone into this weekend.
“They have fun, we have fun, and everybody’s happy,” said Bernie Rivers, whose father owns Whiskey Creek Saloon.
HIRC is a nonprofit organization run by a full-time downtown office, eight members of a Board of Directors and 20 separate committee chairs. Each year at a luncheon, HIRC donates all proceeds to other local nonprofit organizations. In 2002, HIRC donated $25,000.
And of course, the Hollister Rotary Club will be back running the Beer Garden on the corner of East and Sixth streets. The Rotary Club, like HIRC, is a nonprofit that donates all money to local organizations. In 2002, the Beer Garden raised about $12,000.
Since 1997, HIRC has donated more than $140,000 to area organizations.
Headlining the music slate will be classic rock musicians Pat Travers on Friday night and the Greg Kihn Band on Saturday night. Both will perform at 8 p.m. on the main stage located at Sixth and East streets.
The remaining music schedule includes a variety of other genres – such as country, blues and pop.
Each morning of the rally, the local branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will put on a breakfast from 6-10 at the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Building. The Methodist Church located at Fifth and Monterey streets will also hold a “Biker Breakfast” Thursday through Sunday, from 7 a.m.-noon each day.
Chappelear said the Hollister Independence Rally’s lore grows each year.
“I’ve heard a lot of good stuff,” Chappelear said. “Everybody’s starting to know about the rally.”
Conroy added, “People who ride motorcycles are very aware of the City of Hollister.”
