Opening blessing marks official start to Butte’s St. Patrick’s Day

The opening blessing for St. Patrick’s Eve will be at 5 p.m. on Monday at the intersection of Park and Main. Music will be provided by the Rocky Mountain Irish Fiddlers.

Led by Father Patrick Beretta, the event marks the official start to Butte’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Speakers include Butte-Silver Bow Chamber Director Stephanie Sorini, B-SB Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher, Irish Johnny of Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill and Irish Pub in Uptown Butte, and Father Beretta, who will give the opening declaration and blessing.

The “Holy Pub Crawl” will be led by the bagpipers from the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The first stop will be Main Street businesses — Shawn O’Donnell’s, followed by Maloney’s and the M&M Bar — and conclude with the annual blessing at Sláinte Butte America Pub, 8 S. Montana St.