Butte to celebrate its Irish heritage ahead of St. Patrick's Day

The highlight of Butte’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities is always its annual parade.

It won’t matter if it’s raining, snowing or the sun is shining, the parade kicks off at noon on Tuesday in historic Uptown Butte.

Hosted by the Butte America Foundation, all parade entries must be assembled by 11:30 a.m. at Lexington Gardens (off Arizona on East Granite) and will be staged east on Granite, south on Covert and east on Broadway.

Once all entries are lined up, as always, the parade route starts at the corner of Arizona and Granite, proceeding west on Granite to Montana, south on Montana to Park, east on Park to Arizona where disassembly can begin.

Yes, the parade just may be the “pièce de résistance” with several food vendors selling a variety of dishes throughout Uptown Butte, but there’s even more fun planned that day, including Anaconda’s parade, which starts at 2 p.m. from the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall at 107 Cherry St., Anaconda.

Prior to March 17, there are even more Butte and Anaconda events to help usher in the holiday that reminds us all that in this neck of the woods, “we’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.”

See below for the list of activities:

St. Paddy's race runs Saturday —The annual Anaconda AOH St. Patrick’s race starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the AOH building, 106 Cherry St. Before March 12, entry fee is $40. The annual event includes a 3-mile race and a 6-mile race, along with 3-mile and 6-mile wheelchair races. Walkers are welcome to join in the 3-mile event. Preregistration packet and T-shirt pickup are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the AOH Hall. Race runs regardless of weather conditions. Donations are being accepted for the Anaconda Food Bank. More details, race application, and online registration, go to the Anaconda AOH website.

Irish Improv Night at Covellite — In early celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Hot Dog Water Comedy brings Irish Improv Night to the Covellite Theatre, 215 W. Broadway St., on Saturday. The entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m., with a two-man team, Kelly Cutler and Zane Cozby spinning an entire cast of unforgettable characters — from Grandma to Cousin Doyle — all created completely on the spot. For ticket information, go to https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-covellite/698f7c0f8853331048efe8b5/about

AOH hosts carousel rides — The men and women’s divisions of Butte’s Ancient Order of Hibernians are again giving back to the community with free carousel rides for children from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, at the Spirit of Columbia Gardens Carousel in Stodden Park. The event, established eight years ago, includes free “green” popcorn and festive Irish music.

Soda bread contest to commence — Sean O’Donnell’s at 125 N. Main St., will host its annual soda bread contest at 3 p.m. on Sunday. A team of judges will be on hand and prizes will be awarded.

Anaconda Hibernians host gathering — Get ready for some music and dance at Anaconda’s traditional cèilidh, which starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Anaconda AOH Hall, 106 Cherry St.

Shillelagh Shindig planned — The annual Shillelagh Shindig begins at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the Carpenter’s Union Hall, 156 W. Granite St. The event, held on the second floor, benefits the Butte-Silver Bow Democratic Central Committee.

Friendly Sons and Daughters dinner Monday — The Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick will hold its annual banquet on Monday at the Front Street Station, 800 E. Front St. The oldest St. Patrick’s Day event in Butte begins at 6 p.m., with Mike Shea as master of ceremonies. Keynote speaker will be Coach Mick Delaney. The annual event is open to the public and features a night of humorous tales, memorial tributes, and scholarship awards. The organization was founded locally in 1908 by Judge J.J. Lynch, Maurice English, and John H. O’Meara to promote the Irish culture, the bonds of family and friendship, and Butte’s pride for all things Irish. Tickets are $30 and are available by calling Brendan McDonough at 406-498-3983.

Dublin Gulch performs at Covellite — The Covellite Theatre present Butte’s own “Dublin Gulch” on St. Urho’s Day on Monday at the Covellite Theatre, 215 W. Broadway St. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7. For ticket information, go to the Covellite website.

Live music performances listed — The After Party includes Marlinn’s Midnight Mass from 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday at the Covellite Theatre, 215 W. Broadway St. For more details, go to the theatre’s website. At 2 p.m. on Tuesday, five bands, including The Love Darts and Hot Milk and The Flower Pallets will perform at the theatre for a full afternoon of live music. Donations are encouraged and good vibes are required.

Butte Elks opened for business — The Butte Elks Lodge at 206 W. Galena St., will be open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The Pipe and Drum Corps of the Edmonton Police Service will be making an appearance at 2:30 p.m.

Variety of food served at the KC — A traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal of corned beef and cabbage is featured Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus, 224 W. Park St. If you’re not in the mood for corned beef, pasties are on the menu, too, along with kielbasa and Reuben sandwiches. Food will be served starting at noon.

Butte Depot events — Following the Tuesday parade in Uptown Butte, Dublin Gulch will be performing at The Depot, 818 S. Arizona St.

Handing Down the Heritage — Butte’s Irish band, Dublin Gulch, along with the Tiernan Irish Dancers, will be on stage at the annual “Handing Down the Heritage” show Tuesday at the Butte Civic Center, 1340 Harrison Ave. Special guests will be the Pipes and Drums Band of the Edmonton Police Service. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is a celebration for all ages. Admission fees are $16 for adults and $5 for students. Children 13 and under get in free if accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the Butte Civic Center and Tiernan Irish Dance families.