When Monkey Top Saloon tragically burned down in early January, the Bentley, AB landmark’s owners knew there was only one thing to do: rebuild.
“This is Bentley’s bar,” says co-owner Rosie Lunn. “It’s a place for everybody to meet up, which I think is very important.”
Emphasis on the “is.”
Even though the building was lost during the winter, Monkey Top Saloon has remained very much present in the community. Lunn and her fellow co-owners have settled on three designs for the new incarnation, and at a wild west-themed cabaret later this month, attendees will have the chance to vote for their favourite.
It’s the sort of welcoming, neighbourhood approach to the business that has made it a staple of Bentley – located 20 minutes west of Lacombe – for more than 30 years.
The cabaret, explains Lunn, is set to take place August 24 at the Bentley Arena and will feature four bands, a dance and a midnight meal.
“We’re also hosting an animal-free rodeo, so use your imagination on that one!” she says.
To date, around 80% of tickets have been sold, but individual passes are still available and cost $50. Everything is included, even the vote.
“We have three design options for the building,” says Lunn. “At the cabaret we’ll be allowing the community and everybody attending to have their say.”
Pending financing, Monkey Top Saloon could reopen as soon as next spring, although contributions from the community – whether through the purchase of cabaret tickets or merchandise – will only help in the construction process.
Lunn recalls the good times at Monkey Top and hopes to recreate the friendly, Bentley atmosphere in the new building.
“It was just a nice base for the community to come together,” she says. “You could bike to town, or finish up playing hockey and just sit down and relax with a drink and a snack before hitting the road.”
She concludes: “We definitely need Monkey Top back.”
Cabaret tickets and information about merchandise can be found on Monkey Top Saloon’s Facebook page. Its website remains active as well, because the spirit of the bar hasn’t really gone anywhere.