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JUNE 17, 2011
— community—
Vancouver’s
Northbank Bar
Closes its Doors
Southwest Washington’s only gay bar, often referred to as the “gay
Cheers,” closed its doors for good on Sunday, June 12. Owners Darrell
Spoon and Brent Bartling sent a letter informing the community of their
decision Friday, June 10, citing decreasing revenue and increasing costs.
“During the past nine years we have had a lot of struggles, but we have
also had the honor and privilege to meet some awesome people, and
watch them grow into leaders of the LGBTQ_community,” read the let
ter. The neighborhood mainstay had been open for two decades.
Outside of its reputation as a welcoming, laid-back establishment, North-
bank cultivated a community by hosting numerous fundraisers for Marthas
Pantry and Vancouver’s Pride celebration, Saturday in the Park. Patrons
were invited to send the bar off in its final two weekend nights June 10 and
11 with karaoke, and the curtain call for the popular Lipz Cabaret.
Spoon and Bartling were taking a deserved break from all things in
volved with the bar and were unavailable for comment following its clo
sure. Suffice it to say, the Portland metro and Southwest Washington
LGBTQ_community has lost a valued hub of good times.
“We will miss seeing everyone, but are overdue for some much needed
rest,” concluded Spoon and Bartling’s letter. “We ask that you will con
tinue ... your tremendous support of Martha’s Pantry and Saturday in
the Park Pride.”
— R yan J. P rado
To view the rest of the photos from this night,
visit w w w .ju sto u t.co m
WWW.JUSTOUT.COM