Rating:

5.0 (3 votes)

There was music, dancing and lots of green as the St Patrick's Day Parade made its way through the Butte today on what is one of the most celebrated days of the year in the Mining City.

The St. Patrick's Day parade kicked off this morning at 11 a.m.

The parade was led by co-directors of the Butte Emergency Food Bank, Jim and Joanne Cortese. They have served as volunteer co-directors for the food bank since 2002. They rode in a green Volkswagen Beetle convertible. There are more than 40 entries in the parade, including Lt. Gov.John Bohlinger and several political candidates running for local and statewide offices.

Those in the parade enjoyed the experience.

"It was fun riding in there. I was waving," Sam Byrnes said.

Even people who have been doing this for 20 years would walk the parade route again.

"It was fun. I carried a bucket, had lots of fun, lots of people give me money. I thank them all and wish them a Happy St. Patrick's Day," Buddy Margenthaler said.

People, trucks and even dogs paraded past the spectators who got a kick out of all the Irish action.

While the parade received accolades from most of the crowd, not everyone was impressed with this year's parade.

"This is why we came here, and we're a little disappointed. I thought it was an hour normally," one parade-goer said.

The two attendees decided to do their own dances and hold races to entertain themselves. But no matter what the experience, everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather.

The St. Patrick's Day celebrations got underway Tuesday night in the Mining City with Irish music and dancing going on at several venues.

The Pipe and Drum Band of the Edmonton Police treated folks to a performance.

A small crowd gathered to listen to the sounds of bagpipes fill the courthouse. This was one of 10 performances held Wednesday.

Not only did the Pipe and Drum Band march in the parade this morning, but also planned to perform eight more times around town.

This is the 27th year the band has travelled to Butte for St Patrick's Day and members say it's the people that keep them coming back.

"It's a lot different playing here. Where we're from there's about 12 pipe bands playing in the city, so having a pipe band playing is nothing. Down here it's nice, the appreciation we get the crowds really getting involved and having a lot of fun," Pipe Major James McKee said.

The band played several well-known pieces including the ballad "Danny Boy" and hymns such as "Amazing Grace".

Over in Anaconda, the parade took place at 2 p.m. with long time Hibernians Linda Corcoran and Jim Corrigan leading the festivities. Jim has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for 32 years and Linda has been a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians for 26 years.

Today is St. Patrick's Day, one of the most celebrated days of the year in the Mining City.

The St. Patrick's Day parade kicks off this morning at 11 a.m.

The parade will be led by co-directors of the Butte Emergency Food Bank, Jim and Joanne Cortese. They have served as volunteer co-directors for the food bank since 2002. They will be riding in a green Volkswagen Beetle convertible. There are more than 40 entries in the parade, including Lt. Gov.John Bolinger and several political candidates running for local and statewide offices.

The St. Patrick's Day celebrations already got underway Tuesday night in the Mining City with Irish music and dancing going on at several venues.

The Pipe and Drum Band of the Edmonton Police treated folks to a performance.

A small crowd gathered to listen to the sounds of bagpipes fill the courthouse. This was one of 10 performances held Wednesday.

Not only will the Pipe and Drum Band march in the parade this morning,g but it will also perform eight more times around town.

This is the 27th year the band has travelled to Butte for St Patrick's Day and members say it's the people that keep them coming back.

"It's a lot different playing here. Where we're from there's about 12 pipe bands playing in the city, so having a pipe band playing is nothing. Down here it's nice, the appreciation we get the crowds really getting involved and having a lot of fun," Pipe Major James McKee said.

The band played several well-known pieces including the ballad "Danny Boy" and hymns such as "Amazing Grace".

Over in Anaconda, the parade will take place today at 2 p.m. with long time Hibernians Linda Corcoran and Jim Corrigan leading the festivities. Jim has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for 32 years and Linda has been a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians for 26 years.