What a year for the Hollister Independence Rally. The Wild One,
Marlon Brando, passed away on the eve of the rally. He became a
biker icon, and a part of the area’s mythology, for his portrayal
of
”
Johnny
”
in the classic movie loosely based on the 1947 motorcycle
invasion of Hollister.
What a year for the Hollister Independence Rally. The Wild One, Marlon Brando, passed away on the eve of the rally. He became a biker icon, and a part of the area’s mythology, for his portrayal of “Johnny” in the classic movie loosely based on the 1947 motorcycle invasion of Hollister.
It was a somber beginning to what became a rip roaring good time.
After hearing the news Friday, people hoisted a toast at Johnny’s Bar to Brando and the enduring rebel biker image he created. A sign honoring the actor soon appeared on the famous Brando billboard out front. T-shirts with his likeness sold out in a flash.
But with bands blaring good-time rock and roll, daredevil riders whizzing around the Motordome Wall of Death and the roar of the Harleys on San Benito Street, revelers soon were back in the swing of the party.
In fact, Brando’s death may have brought more people than usual to the rally. Police Chief Jeff Miller said Saturday – when crowds of people packed the streets full to bursting – may have been the busiest in the rally’s official eight-year history.
While there were throngs of people, most of the event seemed to run smoothly. To be sure, there were bumps in the road. Police nabbed 30 people for driving under the influence. One man was stabbed by a person he let stay in his yard for the weekend and sent to hospital on Monday morning. But all hell did not break loose. In fact, police say fewer people than normal were booked in San Benito County Jail this year.
On a practical level, the rally proved to be an economic engine for many businesses. There is no other time when the streets of downtown are so full. And while some businesses closed for the weekend, other entrepreneurial business owners shoved their usual stock to the back of the shop and sold rally gear and supplies. The money the bikers bring with them – some of those tricked-out Harleys sell for more than $50,000 – provides an economic benefit that lasts through the year.
Overall, the rally – on shaky ground at the beginning of the year because the financially-troubled city didn’t want to pay for police protection – was a success. It provided a good time for thousands of people, an economic boost for many businesses and solidified Hollister’s reputation as the “Birthplace of the American Biker.”
That’s a reputation that the city should embrace. Hollister is known for a couple of things – earthquakes and motorcycles.
It’s a slam dunk on which should be promoted.
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