With the Saddle Show and Rodeo back in the fold for another year, it's time for another San Benito County tradition: The Hollister Independence Rally.
Soon, bands will be blaring good-time rock 'n' roll, daredevil riders will be whizzing around the Motordome Wall of Death and Harleys will be roaring down San Benito Street.
We welcome the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts who will swarm into Hollister this Friday as they travel the trail blazed by Marlon Brando. Brando, of course, became a biker icon and a part of the area's mythology for his portrayal of "Johnny" in the classic movie the "Wild One," which was loosely based on the infamous 1947 motorcycle invasion of Hollister.
While some may think of the Rally as a noisy headache, it's an event that has much to offer this community.
For one, it's an economic boon for local businesses. The tens of thousands of people who come to show off their shiny hardware and have a good time will put a lot of money in locals' pockets - some of those tricked-out Harleys sell for more than $50,000 - providing a lasting economic benefit. And it should not be forgotten that a chunk of the Rally's proceeds benefit local charities - $12, 000 was handed out to 14 organizations last year.
That's why we're glad to see the Hollister Independence Rally Committee working hard this year to solidify the standing of the town's marquee event. The Rally got off to a smooth start in March when the City Council reviewed its contract and raised no significant objections - a marked contrast from last year, when the Rally's future was in question while the city was drowning in red ink.
With HIRC planning to reimburse the city for the estimated $300,000 it will cost for police protection, and with new measures put in place to ensure vendors accurately report their sales so Hollister can reap the sales tax, the Rally is showing signs of maturing.
That's a welcome change over last year when the future of the Rally was being openly debated. Losing the event would have been a shame. The fact is, the Rally is the most effective and widest-reaching public relations tool Hollister has. In fact, the Rally would be a great time for the Chamber of Commerce to promote something like a biker winery tour during the Passport Weekend. If people come to town for Rally fun, they will see how beautiful our area is and they just might come back. It's in our best interest to ensure it continues down the road to becoming a self-sustaining event that contributes to the financial well-being of our city government.
The Rally has solidified Hollister's reputation as the "Birthplace of the American Biker." That's a reputation that we should embrace. Hollister is known for a couple of things - earthquakes and motorcycles. If we want to attract tourists, it's a slam dunk on which should be promoted.
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