BUTTE - The bars are closed, the parade was canceled — but some folks in Butte took to the streets of Uptown to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
“I was not willing to go quietly into that good night, or gently into that good night, so here I am,” said Rob Seccomb, who played a bagpipe while walking through Uptown.
Butte health officials closed bars and restaurants and ordered the cancellation of this year’s celebration, which draws thousands of people to Uptown, out of fear of spreading the coronavirus.
“Super sad for all of Uptown. And just everybody, it’s hard on everybody,” said Butte resident Eric White.
Aside from some revelers, much of Uptown was empty on a day when the streets are usually full of people.
John Conlan spent the morning playing Celtic music on his radio show The Rocky Road to Dublin.
“It’s very quiet. It’s almost scary, John, I have to say. I expected the parade to be going up and down while I was doing this program,” said Conlan.
No bars, no parade, no problem. For some folks in Butte, they won’t let anything ruin St. Patrick’s Day.
“St. Patrick’s Day is never canceled to a true Irishman, let’s get that straight — especially in Butte, Montana,” said Butte resident Danny Mac.
Bars, casinos, distilleries and restaurants – with the exception of takeout and delivery services – are closed in Butte until March 23.