Community Spotlight: Sneakers Bar

Written by Bobbie Fenno

Mary Green and Marilyn Bivona in the 80s

For four decades, Sneakers Bar in Jamestown, New York, has been more than a place to grab a drink and enjoy a night out. Since opening its doors in 1986, Sneakers has been a gathering place for LGBTQ+ people, friends, allies, and anyone looking for a welcoming place to be themselves.

Mary Green and Marilyn Bivona founded Sneakers with an inclusive vision. At a time when LGBTQ+ bars and social spaces were often more separated from the broader community, they wanted to create a place where their gay and straight friends could all come together. Mary and Marilyn took the leap together, opening and running Sneakers for its first 20 years. Marilyn remained by Mary's side through those early years until she passed away from cancer. Her partnership, dedication, and the life they built together are an important part of Sneakers' story and legacy. Today, Mary continues to carry that vision forward, remaining at the helm of Sneakers and keeping the welcoming spirit they built together alive.

Sneakers Bar is an active participant in the local queer community. The bar has long been part of Jamestown Pride celebrations, hosting Pride-related events and providing a place for the community to keep celebrating into the evening. Its calendar regularly features entertainment such as drag shows, DJs, karaoke, live music, themed parties, and holiday celebrations.

Community involvement doesn't stop with LGBTQ+ events. Sneakers has also hosted fundraisers supporting local causes, including events benefiting animal rescue organizations. These events demonstrate the bar's broader commitment to giving back to the community that has supported it for so many years.

In September, Sneakers reached an extraordinary milestone: 40 years in business. The 40th anniversary celebration, held September 20, brings together longtime patrons, new faces, friends, and community members in recognition of the people and memories that have helped make Sneakers what it is today. With throwback music from DJ Star Sirch, photos from the bar's history, and plenty of opportunities to reflect on four decades of good times, the celebration is a fitting tribute to Sneakers' remarkable history.

For LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas, having a dependable place to gather can make an enormous difference. Sneakers Bar has provided that space for generations of people, offering not only entertainment but connection, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

For more information, visit Sneakers Bar on Facebook: facebook.com/sneakersjamestown

Congratulations to Sneakers Bar on 40 years of community, inclusion, and pride! Here's to their next chapter.

About the Author

Bobbie Fenno Bobbie Fenno (She/Her) joined as a contributing editor in 2025, but has been involved with Erie Gay News as a folding volunteer previously. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's degree in Business, a certificate in Project Management, and an Associate's in Information Technology. Bobbie is also an active member of the LBT Women of Erie group and was also a board member for the NWPA Pride Alliance for four years (2021-2024).