Anaconda

Since its humble, yet trail blazing beginnings in 1937, people throughout North America have been instrumental in recognizing the importance of Ducks Unlimited. In Montana alone, several events are held annually to raise awareness of waterfowl habitat. Most recently, Helena hosted their Ducks Unlimited Banquet, and now organizers in Anaconda are set to do the same on April 1st at the Anaconda Elks Lodge (223 Main) beginning at 5 p.m.

The OPEN THEATRE PROJECT in conjunction with The Copper Village Museum and Ars Center will be presenting a free Theatre For Young Audiences Performance on April 1st. The production, ANANSI, THE CLEVER SPIDER will be presented at 1:00 in the Anaconda Jr. Sr High School Little Theatre.

Show your support for a great cause in Anaconda this week! Under the direction of Stephanie Lynn Carroll, a pint night fundraiser will be held at Smelter City Brewing in Anaconda to recognize and assist the Lupus Foundation of America. The event happens 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Thursday, March 23rd, with great prize giveaways, plus raffles and 50/50 drawings. According to the Lupus Foundation of America's website, the organization has helped fund many studies contributed to lupus research over the past 40 years.

St. Patrick's Day wouldn't be the same without the many festivities and traditions planned around it. From the Ceilidh to the Shelieigh Shindig and everything in between, events in honor of St. Patrick's Day have been going strong in the surrounding area for decades! Performers like The Pipes and Drums Band of the Edmonton Police Service, the Anaconda Pipes & Drum Corps, the Tiernan Irish Dancers of Butte and Helena, Anaconda's Irish Dancers and many more have wowed us for years with their incredible talent.

Events to honor Irish heritage in the area just keep coming, and we haven't even made it to St. Patrick's Day yet! So far, loyal enthusiasts have enjoyed the Shillelagh Shindig at the Carpenter's Union Hall that took place last Friday in Butte, the AOH St. Patrick's Day Race in Anaconda this past Saturday, and yesterday's Ceilidh (celebration of Irish music and friendly gatherings) at the AOH Hall in Anaconda. The latter event was one my family and I had the honor of enjoying! The consensus following our time at Anaconda's AOH Ceilidh yesterday was a a predictable thumbs up! We were in great company with members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians who welcomed us from the get go. At Ceilidh, many in attendance engaged in conversation with family and friends, while enjoying beverages and delicious homemade corned beef with all the trimmings at the "Hall" (Dan Tocher & crew did an immense job! Yum!). Some even had to elbow a few people to get their share of Tipperary squares (white frosted mini cakes rolled in chopped nuts), but other than that it was a friendly outing. Lol! (Continued...)

Another event to check out if you're feeling mighty green is the Ceilidh in Anaconda this Sunday (March 12th) at the Anaconda AOH Hall (321-323 E Commercial) beginning at 3 pm. Ceilidh is Gaelic for the "celebration of Irish music and friendly gatherings". This event is sponsored by the AOH and the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Earlier last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Pintler's Portal Hostel, a niche, hidden gem in Anaconda that is captivating travelers worldwide and making its mark in the community. From the moment I arrived at the hostel, the owners, Steve and Marsha Hill, and their granddaughter, Blakely, welcomed me with good vibes and open arms. Not long after, I also met their oldest granddaughter, Desi, an encounter that sealed the deal on just how family-oriented the Hills were. From there, the plan behind my visit involved learning more about this intriguing place that opened its doors to the public in August of 2021. From my encounter with the Hills, it was apparent how much pride they took in their facility. Located in the heart of Anaconda, at 218 West Park Avenue, the beautifully remodeled structure was once home to the Freemasons' Masonic Lodge.

When you think of the term "Disco", glitter, mirrored spheres, the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, platform shoes, polyester jumpsuits and bell bottoms come to mind. Now, add to that list "Discovery Ski Area" (180 Basin Road, Anaconda) where things are about to get mighty groovy! Coming up this Friday, March 10th, beginning at 9 a.m. enjoy a "far out" day of skiing and a chance to win some great prizes from disco balls hidden along the ski hill! A host of goodies will be given away from Ski Discovery, The Philipsburg Brewing Company, plus the Broadway Hotel and the Sushi Shack also in Philipsburg. Discovery Ski Area (180 Basin Road, Anaconda) will wrap up their ski season soon, so get in on the excitement while you can. They offer rentals, group ski lessons, private ski lessons, an awesome lodge and food, plus competitive rates on full-day and half-day skiing. Check Discovery's website right here -> DISCOVERY SKI for more details and before your venture to the "Disco Party" on the mountain this Friday!

As the wearin' of the green fast approaches, the annual AOH St. Patrick's Day Race in Anaconda comes to mind! As encouraged on the Ancient Order of Hibernians website, you can join in on the fun Saturday, March 11th, either as a die-hard competitor OR as someone who prefers to treat the event as a stroll with old friends and new ones, too! To get involved, you can register right HERE! -> AOH RACE. This site will help guide racers to the many choices available for next Saturday's run, so make sure to be aware of your options ahead of the event. Even if you have no intention of racing, you can still order an AOH St Patrick's Day Race t-shirt on the same website above.

The possibilities are endless when shopping for one-of-a-kind, inexpensive items in the surrounding area! From boutique and consignment shops to second-hand, retail, grocery, convenience, and antique stores, Butte and Anaconda have their share of stand-out venues! Then there are "thrift shops"! These are stores that fall under the category of charitable organizations in one way or another. So while people enjoy the idea of saving money and rummaging for cool finds at thrift stores, they're actually doing so much more; helping out individuals in need throughout the community. Although some thrift shops have unfortunately closed over the years in the vicinity, three in Butte and Anaconda have stayed strong!