The clock is running on a 2007 Independence Day Biker Rally.
Once again, the ball is in the City of Hollister’s court.
The clock is running on a 2007 Independence Day Biker Rally. Once again, the ball is in the City of Hollister’s court.
If a rally is to be supported by the city, and have a chance to be a profitable event, the City Council needs give the stamp of approval soon. Delaying a decision would place promoters and organizers in a cramped, no-win situation. This is not an event that can be compressed into a short timeline and be successful.
We hope the City Council gives official blessing to an event, as we have stated before. A rally has the potential to bring much-needed cash into the downtown and, like it or not, puts Hollister on the map in a big way.
But as we have also stated before, the city must make a decision as quickly as possible. Last year’s non-rally drew thousands of enthusiasts, yet it was a trickle compared to years past. Should the rally be killed again this year, those numbers would no doubt dwindle even further.
So far this year, there are developments. The Hollister Motorcycle Rally Committee has been led by Mayor Robert Scattini and Johnny’s Bar and Grill owner Charisse Tyson. The committee has made headway and has come up with a promoter – Horse Power Promotions – who has organized car shows, motorcycle shows, and rodeos since 1981. Promoter Seth Doulton believes Hollister can turn a profit, but only if action is taken right away.
The city has the same reservations about a rally as in the past, but has also voiced that a decision should be made soon.
“I think we all realize that they’ve got to line up the vendors who are going to come,” said councilman Doug Emerson this week. “If we’re going to do it, we need to get started soon.”
Emerson has emerged as a real leader on the council. His views on the rally – skeptical or rational, depending on how you view the event – will be weighed carefully by other councilmembers, and rightfully so. His concerns focus on public safety and finances, and rightfully so.
We hope rally organizers are providing a convincing case to Emerson and the rest of the council. A decision needs to be made soon.
