Embrace The Irish Spirit: Your Guide To St. Patrick’s Day In Missoula

There is something special about St. Patrick's Day in Montana. Walking into grocery stores and seeing the corned beef and beer on sale. You know the "holiday" is coming up.

This year St. Patrick's Day, March 17, falls on a Monday. When that happens, Missoula has a tradition of holding events the weekend before. It looks like this year is no exception. The good news, for those who can't get enough of St. Patrick's Day. A person can enjoy all Missoula has to offer over the weekend and then head to Butte to continue the celebration for their parade and celebration on Monday the 17th.

Here are some of the events that are planned for St. Patrick's Day weekend in Missoula with most events taking place on Saturday, March 15.

•  Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church at 8 am.
•  The Run for the Luck of It put on by Run Wild Missoula. Held at the Missoula Fairgrounds start time is 8:45 a.m. There is a 7 mile, 5k and kids dash planned.
• St. Patrick's Day Parade 12 p.m. Downtown Missoula on Higgins Ave.

The Friends of Irish Studies in the West will be involved with events through Saturday, March 15th.

• Free carousel rides at the Missoula Carousel from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
• Whiskey tasting at the Rhino from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Friends of Irish Studies West Banquet from 6 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. This is a fundraiser featuring, traditional dancing, music as well as a live and silent auction.

Throughout the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, you also may be able lucky enough to catch Missoula's Celtic Dragon Pipe Band and Missoula Highland Dancers performing at various venues and events. As always please enjoy responsibly and support your local pipe band.