Sunday, March 18, 2012

St Patrick's Day 2012


We drove to Butte, MT early Saturday morning. We had an important Scout event the night before (I'll post pictures of that too soon) so we were up early Saturday morning. 


St Patrick's Day is a big deal. 


After an early breakfast and cleaning up after the naughty leprechauns who caused all sorts of shenanigans we headed to Butte, MT to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style. 


First stop was the parade. For sure all of Butte, MT was there lining the streets. Thousands of thousands of people were there. 


Joining us were 2 leprechauns and 1 Notre Dame player. 



Leprechauns and Notre Dame player.








There were plenty of politicians campaigning in the parade. One guy was on an old tractor. 
The rest were walking behind vehicles throwing out plenty of candy. 




St. Patrick joined the fun too. 







After the parade we headed to the Knights of Columbus. This picture doesn't do that experience justice. There were hundreds of people trying to cram into a tiny area. It was insane. 


Later in the day we stopped by the Quarry Brewing



More people everywhere. 


Corned beef and cabbage served street-side.


The Metals Bank. 


Gin & Tonic and Blarney Stones.


Fun!


Original vault for the Metals Bank. 



The Pekin Chinese Restaurant.







More good food and Gin & Tonics. Whoopsie. I had a very good time. 



So did everyone else. It was pretty amazing.  The Pekin has been in consecutive business for over 75 years and they are open 365 days a year. They are famous for home-made noodles. (It's probably more than 75 years but I can't find an exact date). 


Looking down from Up Town. 



Later we found the bagpipers from Edmenton, Canada again. 








Sunday Cole and I went to Mass at the one and only St Patrick Church in Butte, MT. It was founded in 1881 before Montana was even a state. 



It's gorgeous inside. 




What a way to end a crazy hectic week. One word sums it up: Awesome!