culture// HOLLY GOLLOB Ventura Nationals
Being from Ventura (CA), it was always planned that Labor Day Weekend would be spent at the Ventura Nationals (Primer Nationals in the early years). Saturday at the fairgrounds, turned into vending the weekend at the shows (first for Rascoe Photography then for Pistol Magazine). Always running into old friends and making new ones.
The entire weekend was full of things to do: across town on Friday was the art show and Saturday always had parties scattered around downtown and midtown. Now with new blood and new ideas, this year we found ourselves Downtown Ventura for the entire weekend. Everything progresses and times change around you. I think this year was a great example of how pulling new and old together proved to be a successful choice. I talked with Miss Holly Gollob, promoter of the Ventura Nationals, and this is what she had to say...How did you acquire the Ventura Nationals?
After working with the previous promoters for six years the opportunity came about to take the reigns. It just seemed like the right time.
How was it going from behind the scenes, into the 'drivers seat'?
It was a little strange at first being able to call the shots but it also allowed the show to grow in new ways. I felt like changing things up slightly wouldn't cause too much of a stir but would definitely get people excited for the weekend. I asked a lot of people for their input and got a great response. It really opened my eyes as to the direction the show should go.
The show had a bit of a new spin this year. What were some of the changes you made and why do you think they worked so well?
My number one goal for the year was for everyone attending to want to stick around all weekend, to experience Ventura in a new way. Ventura is a great, relaxing coastal city. It has more to offer outside of the fairgrounds which the show has never expanded upon before. We approached Downtown restaurants and bars and got them excited about the crowd coming into town for the show. Friday night proved that people from all over were in town for the weekend's events, attending the Art and Photography Shows. All the way through Sunday, locals and out of towners were cruising Main St. It worked out for everyone. It wasn't just a car show at a Fairgrounds anymore it was like a resort vacation, people did what they wanted to do whether it be planned or not. I don't know how many people left the fairgrounds, ran out to the ocean and came back to hang out for the rest of the day but they could, so they did!
What did you do after the weekend (Labor Day Weekend) was over?
I slept for 15 hours straight, woke up to champagne and passed back out poolside. Oh yea and ate biscuits and gravy. Let's just say Tuesday came too fast and I was back to work after a really good weekend!
What can we expect to look forward to next year?
More cars, more bikes, more people from near and far. We are going to continue to grow our Downtown presence all weekend and make sure we pack the Fairgrounds again. We may have a few things up our sleeves entertainment wise that we are already working on. I think it's fair to say that we've only just begun and nothing is stopping us.
Anything you'd like to mention?
Make sure to stay tuned and follow our website, Instagram and Facebook for updates and special offers. Just circle Labor Day Weekend on your calendar, we hope you'll be with us in Ventura.
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