Super Bowl parties are a bright spot in the dead of winter, and even with the Olympics, this year’s big game may have been the largest social event in Mineral County. From kickoff to the final whistle, local watering holes were packed with football fans, food, and more than a few chances to win brag-worthy prizes.

At the Montana Bar in Saltese, a small but dedicated group gathered for the 4:30 p.m. kickoff, with more fans expected as the game rolled on. Team-colored drinks set the mood, while pizza by the slice and nachos kept everyone fueled. Add in quarterly drawings for an ice bucket, chip-and-dip set, Dutch oven cookware, and surprise prizes during the game, and it was clear this bar came prepared.

In Haugan, the party headquarters was the Silver Express. The $50,000 Bar doesn’t have TVs, but they made up for it by supplying chili and cornbread to the festivities, along with goodies from the Gift Store given away every five minutes. One generous patron sweetened the buffet with her famously popular crab dip and honey orange chicken, an MVP move if there ever was one.

Three miles away at the Hideout in DeBorgia, Manager Michelle Hahn hosted a full-blown buffet featuring pulled pork sandwiches and a nacho and taco bar. Plenty of swag was handed out during the game, with a 55-inch television waiting as the grand prize for one lucky fan who stuck it out until the end.

The Talking Bird in St. Regis kept things cozy with a nacho bar, casseroles brought in by patrons, and plenty of desserts. Prizes were given away at halftime, Jello shots flowed throughout the game, and notably, not a single New England Patriots fan was spotted in the crowd. Just a mile away at the Doghouse Saloon, the vibe was low-key with a potluck of pulled pork and baked beans.

Meanwhile, at Four Jacks on Highway 135, the Seahawk faithful were out in force; hoopin’ and hollerin’, piling through a potluck line, and winning fun giveaways like hats, beanies, beads, T-shirts, and key chains.

Superior was no exception to the excitement. The Nugget Lounge gave away a 55-inch television at the end of the game, along with baskets of booze and trinkets awarded throughout. Across the river at the Four Aces, a large crowd cheered every Seahawks score with Washington Apple shots, plus more trinkets, goodies, and, yes, another 55-inch TV going home with a very happy fan.

In Alberton, the Trax Bar played both halftime shows while guests enjoyed an Italian meal. The atmosphere leaned more toward friends, family, food, and football, though the bar’s loyalty to the Green Bay Packers meant this year’s matchup didn’t quite draw the usual buzz. Just down the road at the Sportsman’s Bar, a pool tournament shared the spotlight with the game as fans enjoyed chili dogs and Super Bowl action.

All told, the majority of fans celebrating Super Bowl LX at eleven different watering holes across Mineral County were devoted Seattle Seahawks supporters. The final score of 29-13 left plenty of smiles — especially on the faces of the three fans who went home with brand-new 55-inch televisions.

    The Silver Express on Super Bowl Sunday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    The Hideaway on Super Bowl Sunday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Trax on Super Bowl Sunday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Sportsman on Super Bowl Sunday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    The Montana Bar on Super Bowl Sunday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)