How successful was the Hollister Bike Rally?
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) - The Independence Rally returned to Hollister this year, bringing with it a major boost to businesses. Some say they saw their best weekend in years as the event is helping drive the local economy forward.
It was a smooth ride for visitors, residents, and businesses alike at this year's bike rally. Longtime business owner Peter Hernandez says the city of Hollister came alive.
"I saw a lot of new people which I think is actually really good because small town hollister is 14 miles away from the 101, so there's so much so it makes it a harder economic environment but because of things like this it drives more interest for people to come to hollister," said Kai's Ohana Shave Ice and Company owner Peter Hernandez.
As a business owner who survived the COVID-19 pandemic, he says events like these are vital for the shops in town.
"We probably increased our revenue 5 fold over the weekend and it was just two days, other rallys have been longer especially if the 4th land on a thursday , all things considered the two day event had a huge turn out," Hernandez continued.
Down the street, Cosmos Bar and Grill saw its busiest weekend in years.
"Everbody was asking me 'Are you ready for the weekend?' and I was like 'Yeah.' Pero, honestly, I never expected it would be this much," said Cosmos Bar and Grill Manager Karla Lobo.
According to City Council Member Rollin Resendiz, preliminary estimates indicate over 20,000 people attended the event.
"We were expected 10k people..And we doubled that preliminary numbers show that we got roughly around 20k rpople plus that came out. From what the chief of police — he says this was on of the largest events we have had," Resendiz said. "I met people from New Zealand, Australia , Kentucky, las vegas, everywhere all over the world and when you bring in that many people you're introducing millions of dollars into your local economy."
And that impact was felt across town. Hernandez hopes this momentum continues — not just for his shop but for Hollister's future.
"Because small businesses are so vital to communities like ours, we need to make sure we come up with ways to make them successful, because a rising tide lifts all boats so when small businesses succeed local government succeeds, so we get the resources necessary to address what the community needs," Hernandez said.
Rolan says they do plan on holding it next year and will have wrap-up meetings in the next few days to see what can be improved, and are also looking for input from the community.
