Serena Barraza is painting Mayor Leslie Jordan's hand. Photo by Adam Bell.
Serena Barraza paints San Juan Bautista Mayor Leslie Jordan's hand at the festival. Photo by Adam Bell.

Lea este artículo en español aquí.

With yard sales, antique vendors, food trucks, including Mattia Pizza and the Hapa Bros, along with live music by Moon Dance, San Juan Day Festival was held on Aug. 9. 

According to Graciela Serna Nutter, Executive Director of San Juan Bautista Business Association, events like the festival are just what the town needs these days.

“It is imperative, and it’s important that we bring more activities to town,” Nutter said. “And today, business has been amazing.” 

San Juan Bautista resident Melissa Thoeny said 30 people showed up at her yard sale, which she has been holding for at least 20 years. 

“I used to help my mom, Mary Jane Thoeny, do it,” Melissa Thoeny said. “We used to sell in the driveway years ago, and then my parents got a lot. We have a larger space, so we invite friends and family to sell here as well.”

The people are getting something to eat at Hapa Bros. Photo by Adam Bell.
Attendees getting something to eat at Hapa Bros. Photo by Adam Bell.

Hollister resident Ray Ramos said he loves coming to the San Juan Bautista Festival every year. 

“We’re from Hollister, and I’m originally from here in San Juan,” Ramos said. “I enjoy coming back here to see all my friends, old family, and to support the locals.”

His family was looking at toe rings, but he bought some kettle corn from Hand Popped and saw margarita glasses he was thinking of purchasing.  

Sweet Pea Antiques owner Diane Fall said she wanted to sell some treasures. Fall said she had everything you wanted, including antiques, toys, and dishes. 

“I’ve been doing it for 15 years,” Faul said. “It was very slow that morning, but it really picked up, and the antique business was blossoming. I think this hugely benefits the community and pulls in a lot of people.”

Marlayne Assadi is showing the customer the items that she has. Photo by Adam Bell.
Marlayne Assadi showing a customer her wares. Photo by Adam Bell.

Hollister resident Aiden Snyder said he loves all the tents, arts and crafts, and he and his family come whenever they can.

“This one is pretty similar to other festivals we have,” Snyder said. “It’s like the Rib Cook-off one; there are a lot of people on the streets having a good time.”

Snyder said he feels that a lot of people have their eyes on San Juan and there’s a lot of business coming in. 

“Its good for the town and the image that they’re trying to build,” he said.

  • San Juan Day Festival. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • The people are looking at Sierra Silver Zen Estate Jewelry. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • People watching Aaron Chalira dance. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • People are looking for earrings at Xpresion Cultural. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Melissa Thoeny is displaying the items she wants to sell at San Juan Day. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Aiden Snyder got Wrestle Mania at the San Juan Day Festival. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Ray Ramos is having a great time at the San Juan Bautista Festival. Photo by Adam Bell.

We need your help. Support local, nonprofit news! BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is committed to this community and to providing essential, accurate information to our fellow residents. Producing local news is expensive, and community support keeps the news flowing. Please consider supporting BenitoLink, San Benito County’s public service nonprofit news.

I am a lifetime resident of Hollister and was born in San Jose. I have a passion for photography and reporting in San Benito County. Since 2019, I have been working for a successful non-profit, Growing...