st. patrick's day

Prepping for St. Patrick's Day festivities is down to the wire! Ready or not, it's game time for enthusiasts everywhere, including the very Irish community of Anaconda, Montana. The blessing of mass in the morning, followed by the traditional St. Patrick's Day parade at 2 p.m. in downtown Anaconda always sets the tone for a heartfelt celebration of Irish Heritage. Add to that the honorary grand marshals, and you have the making of a genuinely nostalgic event! That's because the grand marshals chosen for the St. Patrick's Day Parade are deeply rooted descendants of Ireland. Duo grand marshalls who bear the surname Gallagher will grace this year's parade; Anaconda natives Pat Gallagher and Kathleen "Cait" (Gallagher) Francisco. Yes, two Gallaghers from different walks of life with ancestors from distinct parts of Ireland.

St. Patrick's Day 2023 in Butte, America, the Richest Can-Do Hill of Champions. The long winter is almost over, and this year St. Patrick's Day is on a Friday. Friday St. Patrick's Days, let's just say, can get a little crazy. Should you find yourself in Uptown Butte, as many of you will, here are a couple watering holes you need to visit.

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.

So, what exactly is Irish road bowling? Many residents in the surrounding area have been familiar with this historic and interesting event for some time now. As illustrated on the websites All Events and Irish Around The World, Irish road bowling dates back to the 1600s, and traditionally involved the hurling of an iron ball in Ireland's countryside. The fewest throws of the dense ball along country roads and landscape is the way to win.

An Army Ranger friend of mine and his wife were out at the Helsinki in Butte for the big celebrations that always start the night before St. Patrick's Day and they sent me a note saying, "Butte is back! Fantastic to see all these people out."

Father Haffey: "Simply a reminder to trust in God more and to live our lives more as we think the Lord wants us to live it. The message is one of remembering the faith of the people who were our ancestors from Ireland and brought a great spirit of faith and joy and hospitality and kindness to our country."

Is Butte still out of Jameson ahead of St. Patrick's Day? If so, no big deal. "But if there is a shortage on Bud Light or Copenhagen, we’re in trouble…

Will we see you in Butte on St. Patrick's Day? I'll be there for a live radio show and the parade. Historic uptown Butte is always an incredible backdrop for a parade- let alone on St. Patrick's Day.