 On The Line -- Issue 589 -- June 30, 2006  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 589 -- June 30, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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Among the most popular traditions of those that flourish in San Benito County is the annual San Benito Saddle Horse Show Parade on Thursday, June 22, preceding the three-day run at Bolado Park.
Many residents look forward to the rodeo for weeks and members of some families for four and even five generations have more than an interest; they are active participants since it began on the eve of the Depression. Among the first signs of the rodeo's approach are the proliferation of Stetsons and boots on some people who do not own or work on a ranch, but that is just part of civic pride and an identification with it. Windows of many local stores often sport a Western theme from early June. Sheila Stevens of "She's" was justifiably proud of her windows having taken first place of those so involved. As usual, the county Chamber of Commerce office was full of volunteers planning their respective duties to help assure the parade's success. Executive secretary Liz Sparling and Office Manager Stacy Souza went over plans with Cilly Fisher, Jack and Francene Markle, Cindy Biesemeyer, Gordon Machado, Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger and others who help make the parade a success. Sharlene Van Rooy of the Hollister Downtown Association was there, too. The parade preparation is very familiar to her as she also helped in it before she left the Chamber staff for the HDA. Husband Frank Van Rooy joined her later. Linda Fine, in charge of the judges, went over final plans. By that time people were already lining up on both sides of San Benito Street to get good vantage points for watching. It may seem to a visitor a strange custom of assembling more than two hours to watch a parade that will not come into sight until at least 6:15 but local residents enjoy visiting with each other and do not mind it. Meanwhile at the office of Bianchi, Lorincz and Company, the staff was preparing for its semi-annual buffet (the other is for the Lights On celebration in November) for clients and friends. Robert Bianchi, Kerry Lorincz Tobias, Joe and Beatrice Garcia, Mary Hubbell, Kris Nolan and other had put out meatballs, chicken wings, a variety of dips, cheeses, crackers, bread and fresh fruit for the visitors. They included Helen McAbee, Jon and Juanita Mansmith, Anthony Silva and many others. Seeing that each guest was comfortable were Barbara Shackleton, Yvonne Caporgno, Angie Bocanegra and Nicole DeMorales. Bianchi kept up a running commentary with friends on the balcony overlooking Sixth Street while grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. It is a pleasant tradition and many of the staff, clients and other friends watch the parade go by from the Sixth Street balcony or, for a better vantage point, from the San Benito Street balcony. Even the weather cooperated. It had been uncomfortably hot earlier in the day but by mid-afternoon a breeze had arisen. By 5:30, the streets were packed, and some spectators had to park their vehicles several blocks away as all the nearer parking spaces were occupied. Many familiar faces were among the waiting spectators. Brothers Eric and Kirk Tognazzini were on hand as they are at popular functions, and traded observations with friends passing by. Michael Grace found a good spot, and Ravena Huboi with daughter, Carmen, and Carmen's friend, Michaela Connor, waited patiently to see David Huboi. Meanwhile, parade participants were gathering at their designated places on Palmtag Street. There was the usual calling of greetings back and forth and checking to see that each of the nearly 80 entrants was in the proper place, then it was underway. Althea Prewitt, this year's Miss San Benito Rodeo, and her court rode by on their horses and got a big hand all along the way to Fifth Street, where the parade turned west to Monterey Street and ended. Barbara Niacora and Jim Sleznick also received much applause from friends as they waved from the Wells Fargo stagecoach, continuing the tradition of carrying the Woman and Man of the Year as chosen by the county Chamber of Commerce. A delegation from Hollister's sister city, Kato, Japan, also received much applause, and its 18 delegates waved back, with some of the men wearing Stetsons, and all apparently enjoying it very much. Curtis Hill, Pauline Valdivia, Anna Caballero, Robert Scattini and other office holders got many cheers as they went by, and so did the vehicles carrying members of the Democrat and Republican central committees. Always popular and always cheered were the youth groups, including marching bands from San Benito High School and Maze Middle School, as well as young equestrians, some of whom doffed their hats to friends they spotted in the crowd. Many people wondered why County Clerk John Hodges was not riding in the parade as he has done for decades. But word went around that a fire on his ranch kept him busy there. Fortunately, no people or livestock were hurt, and no buildings damaged. Sister city delegates and local hosts gathered at the corners of Fifth and San Benito streets to see the rest of the parade. When it was over they all went to Paines' Restaurant for dinner. Geri Johnson and Ruth Erickson are this year's co-presidents and they welcomed many guests who showed up to welcome the delegates. Mrs. Erickson, there with husband Ron Erickson, explained that the name change of the sister city from Takino was because it had merged with two other communities to become Kato. Among local sister city members there were Frances Palmtag, Martha Moses, Jim and Gayle Sleznick and others. They welcomed local dignitaries including Reb and Jill Monaco and Robert Scattini. The delegation had arrived at San Francisco Airport that morning and the following day had a schedule that included a visit to Marich Chocolate, the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, and dinner with the Japanese-American Citizens League in San Juan Bautista. David Huboi entertained the group with his guitar music, and there was much conversation between residents of the Kato City and San Benito County. With the return trip set for Monday, the visitors were getting a highly compressed taste if life in a Western community. |
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