The Independence Rally is a three day weekend event. The downtown portion of the Independence Rally is always free to attend. The different individual activities that the rally includes may, or may not, have a fee involved, depending on the attraction itself. For example, the Bike Show generally has an entrants fee, but the show itself is free for the viewing audience. Another example would be the Dyno attraction, there will be a fee involved to have your bike Dyno'd.

Although the event is a motorcycle rally, and slanted towards the adults, all activities located in the downtown portion of the event are family oriented so children are invited to attend. San Benito Street (main street through town) is closed to all vehicles except motorcycles. Motorcycles are allowed to park in two rows down the center of the street along with a row along each side of the street. Vendors set up their displays on the streets that run perpendicular to San Benito Street. Vendors also use East Street, along with the grass area on the corner of Fourth and San Benito.

PRESS RELEASE
2006 Hollister Independence Rally Cancelled

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – February 15, 2006 – The Hollister City Council voted 3-2 to cancel the 2006 Hollister Independence Rally, citing concerns over the potential cost to the City's already struggling general fund.

The decision to cancel the rally comes after months of careful consideration. Since 1997, the Hollister Independence Rally has been an annual event. The 2005 rally brought an estimated 100,000 people to downtown Hollister during the event weekend.

Spiraling expenses caused a review of the feasibility of continuing the rally. Starting in 2004, the City had to begin paying increased costs for assistance from state law enforcement agencies. Due to the downturn in the state budget, these agencies could no longer provide services without reimbursement. In addition, adjustments were made to ensure that contracts with officers from outside agencies conformed to state law. Of course, as attendance at the rally increased over the years, additional law enforcement personnel were necessary to ensure the safety of rally attendees and the residents of Hollister.

In addition to law enforcement expenses, the City incurs costs associated with preparing for the event, as well as public works and equipment expenses. Finally, there are other public safety expenses, such as supplemental firefighter/paramedic staffing.

The Hollister Independence Rally Committee (HIRC), a non-profit organization that has presented the rally since its inception, was responsible for all costs, including City expenses, associated with the rally. Unfortunately, after the 2005 Rally, HIRC notified the City of Hollister that it was unable to reimburse the City for its 2005 law enforcement, fire public works, and other expenses. In addition, HIRC reported that it would be unable to reimburse the City for expenses associated with a rally in 2006. This left the City with a general fund expense of over $250,000 at a time the City is facing severe cutbacks and spending down its general fund reserve. Facing the possibility of even greater expenses and further reduction of its general fund, the City Council voted to cancel the 2006 Hollister Independence Rally.

More information will be available in the coming weeks on the City's website.

Approved by: Clint Quilter, City Manager