I can’t believe that one month from today the Hollister Freedom Rally will be in full swing. You know how we roll at Johnny’s, we should be hopping by Wednesday July 1st. This is going to be the best rally we’ve seen in a very long time. Chuck Swartz and Convexx are bringing great entertainment to the venue. I’m sorry I’ll be too busy to catch the great shows. As well as having free live music all day on Fifth and Seventh streets, The Fabulous Thunderbirds are in concert on Friday and the Guess Who will be playing on Saturday.


Sons of Anarchy stars “Chibbs” and “Bobby” will be at the Vet’s Hall on Saturday from 4:00 – 6:00. I’ve talked with many of their fans and they are so pumped-up about the appearance that they could lose their minds. People have asked me if they will be dropping by Johnny’s. It would be a happy surprise to me. They really should stop in and check out the bar that bikers rode their motorcycles into in 1947.

Sons of Anarchy Chibs, Tommy Flanagan

Bobby will be joining Chibs at the 2015 Hollister Freedom Rally

Robert Patrick never fails to stop by when he is town. We may not see him this year. He may be too busy with the Scorpion series and, rumor has it, the folks on the Terminator Salvation project are talking to him. He is so down to earth that you would never know what a celebrity he is. I love a humble man.

He doesn’t look like a Terminator in this picture.

For the first time since July of 2004 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall is coming back to Hollister. I didn’t get to see it myself back then but the heart wrenching stories I heard from many of the volunteers as well as visiting veterans brought tears to my eyes. It gives some closure to many hurting vets. Our men and women of the armed services did not return to a ticker- tape parade. They were scorned and called murderers by the very people they fought for. This moving tribute is a huge way to say thank you and let our Vietnam veterans know that they are appreciated.

Moving is understated.

As well as all of the great entertainment and the Moving Wall, there will be biker games, a tattoo contest, Miss Hollister Freedom Rally contest, and a custom bike show. I hope I covered it all but I’m not sure. Convexx is going all out. This is going to be the best rally ever.

Johnny’s rich history makes us a destination for bikers from all over the world. One of the wonderful things about owning the renowned bar is that we have met people from just about every state in the Union and no less than ten countries. I am astounded when I look at our guest book. It’s like taking a mini-tour around the world. We at Johnny’s are honored and privileged to host so many great visitors during our rally and all year long. The folks that really want to bask in the history and visit with the locals return when the rally is over. Our friendly staff doesn’t have time to dote on our visitors during the rally, unless you arrive before ten o’clock in the morning. After that it gets pretty crazy. Have no fear, we have a full team of devoted people looking forward to serving you ice cold beer, tasty hot food and refreshing cocktails. With roughly thirty extra employees we will have you covered.

I encourage you to check out hollisterfreedomrally.com for all of the up to date information. Buy the VIP pass and enjoy the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Guess Who concerts, front line access to the Sons of Anarchy, a VIP t-shirt and ride pin, a custom kickstand plate and a $75.00 gift card towards a custom Corbin seat. As if that wasn’t enough you get a $20 lunch coupon, photo tower entry, entry for the two poker walks, you can enter your bike in the custom bike show, VIP parking and raffle tickets for merchandise drawings. All of that for only $75.00. For a group of six or more there are even bigger discounts.The price is going up in two days so get your VIP package now.

I believe our local hotels are all full but Bolado Park is offering camping at a real reasonable rate. I’m sure it will be a blast hanging out with fellow bikers around the campfire after a full day downtown.

We look forward to seeing many familiar faces as well as plenty of new ones. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this rally.