MINNEAPOLIS — After a fire prompted the closure of a popular longtime Loring Park gay bar, the community is stepping up to help.
A Minneapolis Fire Department incident report says The 19 Bar caught fire Friday afternoon after a power pole was struck by a truck, causing wires to fall on the building gas line.
The multiple fires within the building were classified as accidental, according to the report.
"Fortunately, no one was harmed or injured in today's series of events," read a post on the bar's Facebook page. "We will have to face this challenge one day at a time and will update as needed."
Brian "Bubba" Thurn has been a longtime patron of The 19 Bar. They also keep track of history for Twin Cities Pride.
"Lots of people met their partners, husbands, wives, over the years at this bar," said Thurn. "They're mourning the space where they first met or were introduced."
Thurn, along with a friend, are both raising money via GoFundMe to help employees of the bar while they are out of work. Bubba says another verified GoFundMe with the same goal has raised over $20,000.
"It's the oldest gay bar in Minnesota." said Thurn. "This is a neighborhood icon, a safe place for the community."
Thurn said the owners told them that while they intend to work toward reopening, they are unsure of when it will happen.
The Walker Art Center is just one local business hosting events to help The 19 Bar. On Thursday, they are holding a temporary bar and art installation with photos submitted by the community. The event will be free of charge and opens at 5 p.m.
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