anaconda

Completed in 1919, the old Anaconda Copper Company smelter stack checks in at 585 feet tall. How about a tour this summer?

Get ready for a Gunslinger Gulch specialty coming up April 21st through the 23rd! Originally the 1880s Ranch, this nostalgic ghost town on the west end of Anaconda is set to host a real "Who Dunnit" Murder Mystery Weekend for the fun and fear of it! Roaring 20s is the theme for this gaspingly good time, with a Pre-Murder Mingle on Friday night (April 21st) equipped with happy hour and a dance party under the stars. In addition, a Murder Mystery barbeque dinner will take place on Saturday night (April 22nd). A continental breakfast buffet will be served to all suspected murder mystery guests on Saturday and Sunday.

The spirit that filled the air this past Friday at Anaconda's Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade was hands down at the top of the list of moments to cherish forever. A favorable weather forecast and the 'luck of the Irish' were alive and well as this nostalgic event made its way through the streets of downtown Anaconda shortly after 2 p.m. The sun shined bright, and a cool breeze braced the sky as onlookers dressed in their favorite green apparel commenced along the street to watch an Anaconda tradition in action.

Another event to check out if you're feeling mighty green is the Ceilidh in Anaconda this Sunday (March 12th) at the Anaconda AOH Hall (321-323 E Commercial) beginning at 3 pm. Ceilidh is Gaelic for the "celebration of Irish music and friendly gatherings". This event is sponsored by the AOH and the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Next Wednesday will mark the 125th Anniversary of the Butte-Silver Bow Chapter of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), an organization dedicated to promoting history education and patriotism in the community. DAR began in Washington, D.C., in 1890, with the Butte-Silver Bow Chapter hosting its first inaugural meeting on December 21, 1897. Their efforts were tireless and not unnoticed as they worked to improve traditions within the surrounding area. Over the years, they have been instrumental in partaking in Flag Day and Independence Day festivities. They have also helped many organizations, such as the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, The Salvation Army, and our local veterans. The local Daughters of the American Revolution have also helped support high school students with the DAR Good Citizen program and college-bound applicants with a University of Montana-Western DAR Scholarship.

Once you've completed your Black Friday journey, take time the following day to enjoy a day of shopping in an entirely different way. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 26th, Anaconda's First Annual Vintage Christmas Market will take place in the former JC Penney's building at 113 East Park Street in downtown Anaconda. The event, hosted by Blacksmith Coffee Co., will feature creative and unique gift ideas, including vintage home and holiday decor, outerwear, furniture, and more. It's a great feeling when you can find one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday. Plus, a trip to Anaconda's First Annual Vintage Christmas Market the day AFTER Black Friday is a nice break from the norm.

Nope, it's not Butte. But we discovered a pile of historical facts that all originated in this other important Montana town. When the town in question was to be platted, it's founder wanted to call it "Copperopolis".

It's not every day that you see the words "affordable" and "Montana" in the same sentence.

At first glance, you see my picture and probably say "Oh, look. Mark's golfing again."