We interviewed owner Ron Sheetz about what his business offers the community and what changes they’ve seen in the community over the past 2 years.
“We do a few fundraisers for the year. Our main fundraiser is Straight to Diva and the money goes to the HIV Peer Support Group, and last year we raised over $4000. We do Mr. Calgary Leather now, and Mr. Calgary Leather Daddy. We have Dark nights Fridays, we do a Harness night, we do a Uniform night. We’re now doing a night we call ‘Boots and Cigars’ because lots of guys like to smoke cigars, and we’re incorporating that now with boots because that’s a fetish too…so that’s coming up in November. …Barry does dinners once a month, 12 bucks you get a great dinner, full course meal and dessert. Those have gone over tremendously well to where he almost sells out every month. We were doing barbecues all summer every Sunday…that’s of course not happening now, ‘cuz Ronnie’s standing out there freezing his ass flipping burgers!”
“Of course we’re trying to get a space where it’s not loud, where it’s social, where the guys and the girls are going to meet each other and talk. It’s not about dancing or what you’re wearing – it’s about coming out, having a good time, socializing, and meeting up, where cruising is not a bad word or a bad thing to do. …We like to emphasize good service and great friendly atmosphere with very little attitude, and the guys respect each other and respect the place. …Our fundraiser of choice is Straight to Diva and we’ve been concentrating on that because it’s a cause we all believe in very much. …We’re also giving one night a month to the Rocky Mountain Bears – door check and the money they raise at the door goes to them. [We also did a calendar several years ago] and that money went to Beswick House.”
“We’re getting more and more women, with a larger sprinkling of bi men. …I’m seeing the younger crowd coming in and having a good time, and a lot of loud energy – a lot of loud laughter, I’m seeing more than we’ve ever heard. I love seeing the guys talk and relate more than I see at other bars. I’m seeing lots of straight people coming in too now, friends of gay people. They’re feeling really comfortable and no one is intimidated.”
The Calgary Eagle celebrated their 3rd anniversary this year on February 19th.
The Calgary Eagle
424A 8th Avenue SE
(403) 263-5847
Classification: Leather Bar, Restaurant
Typical Crowd: Mostly gay and bi, sometimes lesbian/straight/trans. Bear, Leather, Fetish.
Age Range: Mainly over 30
Established: February 2002
Size: Over 3000 sq. ft.
Floors: 1 (main)
Approx. Capacity: 150
Consumables: Alcoholic beverages, Full Food Service, Catering, Cigarettes, Free Popcorn, Kink toys and literature.
Entertainment: Music/DJs, Contests, Pornos, TV
Activities: GayCalgary.com Internet Terminal, Pool Table (2), Touch-screen Games, Conversation.
Features: Coat Check, Outdoor Patio, Non-smoking area
