Viva Butte & Anaconda

Just got back from my quick trip down to Butte and Anaconda for St. Patrick's Day - what an experience. If you've never been to these two towns, you really are missing something. Filled with gritty character and history, they explode in full color on St. Patrick's Day, with a blustery parade and throngs of people out and about. I was told Butte has the highest per capita population of folks with Irish ancestry, and though I've never been to Ireland, it really seems as if Butte really is "Ireland's Fifth Province." I joined in the fun, having some Jameson right after breakfast...what a blast...

Here are some pictures from the parade:





Here's (from left to right) State Auditor John Morrison, Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger, and Gov. Brian Schweitzer before they headed to the M&M Bar:



Here are some pictures from inside the historic M&M Bar:













Here's a shot at the beginning of the Anaconda parade: