Burning Questions: What Will Happen to the Santas at Marlena's?
Yesterday the news broke that Marlena's, beloved gay dive bar in Hayes Valley, has been sold and will likely close for part or all of March. We love the drag shows and jukebox, but really wanted to know the fate of all 14,000 Santas that Garry "Marlena" McClain has amassed and sets up every December. Marlena told Hayeswire that the new owners are talking about buying the Santa collection, but if that falls through, he'll "probably give them to the [Legion of Honor]."
Anna Roth Only a small portion of the Santa collection at Marlena's.
See also:
- The Santas Are Back at Marlena's, and They Are Gloriously Creepy
- Marlena's, San Francisco's Coolest Drag Bar, Sold
Besides the uncertain fate of the Santa collection, it sounds like not much will change at Marlena's under the new ownership -- Marlena will even still be behind the bar. The drag shows will still go on. And the bar will stay as a refreshingly divey island in the middle of the ever-gentrified Hayes Valley.
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