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On July 18, the 39th annual Street Festival & Car Show was held on San Benito Street. There were 195 cars in the show, according to Hollister Downtown Association Event Manager Teri Escamilla, and she estimated that 3,000 to 5,000 people attended.
This year, Escamia said the show started earlier, at 9 a.m. rather than 10 a.m., and ended at 2 p.m. rather than the usual 4 p.m.
“We have people who were looking for something a little bit earlier in the day,” she said. “ We spoke to the sponsors and judges that attend these shows. They said this was the current trend, so they wanted it to end earlier.”
Hollister resident Connie DeLuna said she loves all the different cars that are old, new, fancy and seeing everyone enjoying them together.
“It’s just such a good time,” DeLuna said. “My grandson, Sebastian Flores, loved seeing the Red Corvette Transformer. We have the 4th of July rally, but this is just a whole different crowd. It’s young people, older people, residents and non-residents.”
Hollister resident Anita Warren, who attended with her boyfriend Jerry Cozio, said she comes every year and looks at the old cars.
“I love the Mustangs,” Warren said. “My goal is to get a red 1966 one. I like this show because it brings out the community and I get to run into my old classmates from a long time ago at Sacred Heart.”
Gilroy resident Walt Willard won the Best Original Car Award for his 1965 Mustang Fastback, which he said took two years to restore.
“It’s great being the winner,” Willard said. “My third or fourth year coming to the car show and I have won prior years before.”
Hollister resident Ernie Gonzalez, visiting the car show for the fourth year, said it was fun to see how people respected the cars.
“I enjoy the people recognizing my 1955 Chevy Sedan,” Gonzalez said. “Reminiscing and saying ‘I had one of these when I was young.’ It’s my first car, but I’m very proud of it.”
Ryan Haris looks at a Chevrolet Corvette Transformer. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Ryan Haris looks at a Chevrolet Corvette Transformer. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Connie DeLuna and Sebastina Flores check out a classic car. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Anita Warren enjoys the 39th annual Street Festival & Car Show. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Kelley Ferreira checking out a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible. Photo by Adam Bell. 
A 1965 Ford Mustang. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Angel Rios gets an award at the event. Photo by Adam Bell.
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