Billings Bar Owners Rally for Anaconda: Special Day on Aug 16

It was a week ago today that tragedy unfolded in the scenic town of Anaconda, MT. It was midmorning on Friday, August 1st, when 45-year-old Michael Brown entered the Owl Bar and killed four people, including three customers and the bartender.

His motive remains unclear, and as of today, the manhunt continues. The story has picked up national media attention. Still, more importantly, it has inspired an outpouring of support from local bar owners, prompted by Rachel Dehler, owner of High Tide Casino in Billings.

Read More: Search Continues for Mass Killer in Montana

Directly after the shooting, Dehler said her heart broke; not just for the victims and their families, but for the Owl Bar owner and staff. She said she could only imagine the grief, guilt, and heartache the fellow tavern owner is likely experiencing.

Violence is always jarring, but it seems to hit a little harder when it happens in a small town like Ananconda, where neighborhood bars like the Owl are oftentimes more than just a place for a cold beer.

Raise a glass on August 16th for a great cause.

Dehler picked Saturday, August 16th, as their 'Anaconda Strong' Day, donating 100% of the High Tide Casino profits that day to a fund for victims and the Anaconda community. Within a day, several other Billings bars have joined in, and the list of participating establishments continues to grow.

Dehler said she was wowed by the outpouring of support from the industry, "We just wanted to help in any way that we could", she said, adding, "This is proof that even the smallest spark can set off a movement."

This week, the Yellowstone Tavern Association donated $5,000, and it seems likely that the Montana Tavern Association will make a matching donation. The industry trade organization is encouraging other Tavern Association groups in Montana to contribute as well.

The August 16th day of donations for Anaconda is spreading statewide.

As word continues to spread, bars across the state are joining in, too. The M&M Bar and Cafe in Butte has now pledged its support on August 16th, as has the historic Pioneer Bar in Virginia City.

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You can help raise money for Anaconda Strong by visiting any of these bars on August 16th. They have all pledged to donate their proceeds to the cause on that day:

• The Reno Club
• High Tide Casino
• Red Rooster Bar
• Western Empire Emporium
• Fenway's
• The Monte
• Saphire Casino
• Magic City Casino
• M&M Bar and Cafe (Butte)
• Pioneer Bar (Virginia City)

The Vig Alehouse is also fundraising for Anaconda with its Donation Monday on September 8. I expect more bars to be added to the list in the coming week, and we'll update this article accordingly.

IDEA: I think it would be neat if someone were to arrange a party bus tour of all the stops on August 16th in our area, and make it a fun afternoon of day drinking for a great cause. Let us know if you are that person who can make something like that happen, and we'll help spread the word.