‘Trad Fam Fest’ coming to Eagle but needed approval. Here’s what the city decided
Eagle City Council members Tuesday granted a noise permit to the Old State Street Saloon for a June 27 event called “Trad Fam Fest,” a local event celebrating “faith, family, freedom, and American tradition.”
The saloon’s website bills the event as “the perfect way to wrap up Heterosexual Awesomeness Month!”
Owner Mark Fitzpatrick, a retired law enforcement officer from California, started the Hetero Awesomeness Fest in 2024 in reaction to Pride Month. Last year’s Hetero Awesome Fest in downtown Boise was widely hyped but sparsely attended.
Trad Fam Fest is scheduled to be held on the saloon’s property and is expected to feature live music and outdoor amplified sound, necessitating the council’s approval under Eagle’s noise ordinance.
All June, Fitzpatrick is again running his “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” promotion at the saloon. The saloon’s website advertises drink deals pegged to patrons’ sexual orientation and family makeup — free drafts for heterosexual men dressed “like a hetero male,” buy-one-get-one drinks for straight women, a couples’ discount on Wednesdays and free kids’ meals on Sundays. There are also pop-up events like “Trad Singles Night” and “Open Carry Coffee.”
Fitzpatrick is no stranger to controversy — or to making news. The Statesman reported last December that Boise police provided extra security to Mayor Lauren McLean after Fitzpatrick offered a minimum $10,000 reward for information that could lead to her arrest and conviction — for unidentified crimes.
Fitzpatrick also ran for Idaho governor, garnering nearly 70,000 votes, or 29%, in the May primary, coming in second to incumbent Gov. Brad Little, who received more than 140,000 votes. Fitzpatrick has pointed to the saloon’s string of viral controversies as a calling card in the crowded race.
The American Trad Fam Fest is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 27 in the Old State Street Saloon parking lot and is scheduled to include five bands, a kids’ fun zone, cornhole and other yard games.
“This is a day for patriots to join us in celebrating America and traditional family values given to us by our Creator, God Almighty!” Fitzpatrick wrote in a text to the Statesman.