The Calgary Eagle is celebrating its 6th anniversary on the 23rd of this month, so GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine caught up with owner Johnathan Finlayson to find out how they feel about ageing, and more importantly how are they going to celebrate!

GayCalgary: How did the concept of the Eagle come about?

Calgary Eagle: It began with Ron Scheetz and Christine Baker thinking one day to act upon an idea they had been talking about for a while. From there the birth of the Eagle took form; like a Phoenix but without the ashes. From four of the original owners, now Ron, Christine and Barry are still working hard and it seemed a natural extension to add some diversity, so in July 2007 Neal, Rob and Johnathan joined in as new partners.

GayCalgary: How do you describe the Eagle?

Calgary Eagle: We’re not the dirty, mean little bar anymore. Maybe we’re still dirty, but definitely more loveable! We thank Calgary for making us a full fledged community bar.

GayCalgary: What do you feel the Eagle has accomplished in these past 6 years?

Calgary Eagle: We feel that our creation of another supportive community space has been the greatest accomplishment. We have endeavored to be involved, not only a support but at times as leaders within the community; hopefully this has been reflected in our presence. In the beginning we realized that to be successful we had to be more involved. We decided that one great way to give community organizations, groups, and even individuals the opportunity to raise funds for their causes was to offer our coat check. We do not run the coat check ourselves - it is run by such great groups as Beswick House (SHARP Foundation), The Rocky Mountain Bears, ISCCA, the Eagle Rodeo Team, and individuals who are looking for alternate avenues to fund raising. This small gesture has been in our view a great partnership and we see this continuing well into the future - it’s a win for the community. Not to mention some of our bigger fundraisers like Straight to Diva and the Chilly Cook-off!

GayCalgary: What has changed in the last 6 years?

Calgary Eagle: We have definitely branched out to the community in support of charitable groups and events. Our focus, though strongly on leather, has run parallel to our goal of being responsible citizens in the community. The bar has become a multi-use facility - for example we have partnered with organizations such as ISCCA, ARGRA, The Rocky Mountain Bears, GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazin, Priape, as well as other bars and businesses in Calgary. We are always amenable to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and other high profile causes. Working with the community is constantly rewarding, and seeing this grow year after year is definitely a good change. Though we work hard to be involved, we never forget the need to laugh - and this we do. The Dirty Bird Awards, held in March, are entering their third year and we have a chance to roast ourselves as well recognize those in the community that are the unsung heroes. This year has also seen a new working relationship with the Lesbian community for Thursday night dance parties; the ladies love the space and they party with the boys like there is no tomorrow.

GayCalgary: What has been the most memorable moment for the staff at the Eagle?

Calgary Eagle: The best moment…this is an easy one; it’s when we have seen the community pull together. We are constantly humbled and filled with pride during these times when the strength of the Calgary shines through. This last year we must say between the Great Chili cook-Off for Beswick House and this year’s Straight to Diva 3 - it really hit home how involved and supportive the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Bi-sexual and Heterosexual communities can be. Inclusion is the key to such successes; this community shows it is willing to work together time and time again. We are also extremely proud to know that the Calgary Eagle has been strong representation to the gay community locally, nationally and on an international level. One such high profile representation is our involvement and participation with IML (International Mr. Leather) held in Chicago.

GayCalgary: What are the aspirations for the Eagle in this next year?

Calgary Eagle: We will never forget where we all came from and those before us, whether from the days of Stonewall in the USA or the first Pride Parade here in Calgary where beer bottles were thrown at the walkers. Those people had to fight so hard in years past for the luxuries of being who we are able to be today. We will continue to offer the Eagle as a place of safety and acceptance. We will continue to work harder and closer with the community, where we can, for the benefit of all. We are even thinking of shifting direction toward supporting the growing needs at a grass roots level in Africa to combat HIV/AIDS. We hope that, with community support, we can partner with an international organization to do our little part to help where we can.

GayCalgary: What is the Eagle doing to celebrate its 6th anniversary?

Calgary Eagle: We actually find it really rewarding to just have an anniversary party and to invite everyone to come on by and share some cheer and celebration. This anniversary party is not just for the Eagle, but is really meant for those who have supported us and to those who have found us to be their home away from home. February highlights yet another return of Momma G with a Valentine Dinner on the 10th, while our Anniversary party on the 23rd. DJ Westcoast Babydaddy will be coming down from Edmonton to play for us that night, so there will be dancing at the Bird.

GayCalgary: What would you like to say to the gay community?

Calgary Eagle: On behalf of the Calgary Eagle owners Ron, Christine, Neal, Barry, Rob, and Johnathan (myself) we would like to thank Calgary for all your support over the last years. Our staff, Kevin and Brian, also extend their gratitude to your past and continued support.

The Calgary Eagle

424A 8th Avenue SE

(403) 263-5847

http://www.calgaryeagle.com