Weeks after bomb threat, Arlington gay bar hosts ‘Love Fest’

ARLINGTON, Va. ( DC News Now ) — Nearly a month after Freddie Lutz, the owner of Freddie’s Beach Bar, received bomb threats to his bar and home , he said he’s determined to not let the hate go unrivaled.

On Saturday morning at 11 a.m., the gay bar is hosting “Love Fest,” an event designed to serve as a thank you to the people who kept the bar safe in the wake of the threat, and a message of support to the LGBTQ+ community.

The bomb threat came before a drag show storytime last month, which was delayed for a brief time as police investigated to ensure there was no threat.

“How can we make lemonade out of lemons,” Lutz said on Friday when describing his thoughts after the threats. “Turn it around and make something positive that’s going to help the kids in the future.”

At the Love Fest, Lutz said some of the proceeds will go to local LGBTQ+ organizations, but the event is about more than the money.

“[Love Fest is about] showing love and compassion and support to the gay community and their children,” he said.

Jason Elliott, a longtime patron and Mr. Freddie’s in 2017 said the event will send a powerful message.

“There’s a lot more love, there are more people who want to support you than tear you down,” he said.

Elliott told DC News Now that the bar, which has mementos and photos of prominent LGBTQ+ people and patrons, is “more than just flamingos and Barbies on the wall.” Elliott cited work the bar has done to help LGBTQ+ veterans.

The bar, which celebrates history, is hoping to shape it — all while having some fun and spreading a simple message of “giving peace a chance,” Lutz said.

A spokesperson for the Arlington County Police Department said it will conduct extra checks in the area on Saturday.

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