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The Hollister-based Top Hatters Motorcycle Club, one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in the United States, hosted the 23rd annual Bike Blessing on Palm Sunday, April 9, at Sacred Heart Church.

An estimated 1,500 to 1,800 bikers attended the event, which featured a check-in at Cheap Seats Pub & Grub in downtown Hollister followed by the drive-through blessing outside the church. Participants who paid $20 received a bike blessing and commemorative medal. The event featured door prizes, a 50-50 raffle, music and a barbecue.

Top Hatters, established in 1947, is exclusively for Harley Davidson motorcycle riders. According to its website, the club says it is “not a social, weekender riding club,” rather it is “a brotherhood of bikers that take riding and flying our colors very serious.”

The club spends a majority of its time “doing club functions that benefit our community.”

BenitoLink photographer Lisa Robinson-Ward was on hand for the blessing and her photos are shared here.