Progress Days are Soldotna's time to shine

Whether you come to Soldotna for employment, commerce, tourism or pleasure, all are invited to take part in the city's annual celebration this weekend — Progress Days.

"We're in for a good one this year," said Michelle Glaves, executive director of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce.

The festivities begin today with an arts and crafts bazaar at the Soldotna Senior Citizens Center that will continue Saturday. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge will show films at noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. throughout the weekend and Natron Air will offer 15-minute flightseeing trips.

"We've also got the Everything But the Red Run," Glaves said.

Registration for the 5-kilometer race begins at 5 p.m., and the starting pistol gets fired at 6 p.m. at the Tsalteshi Trail System behind Skyview High School.

On Saturday, Progress Days continues with the parade down Aspen to Marydale, then proceeds down Binkley before turning on West Wilson.

"We've got close to 100 entries for the parade this year," Glaves said, adding that some of those are new faces and some are familiar ones, such as the Red Hat Society and Weenies on Parade.

Parade line-up is at 9 a.m., and the parade gets under way at 11 a.m.

From noon until 5 p.m., the chamber will host a celebration at Soldotna Creek Park on the Sterling Highway. Food, vendors, weenie dog races, entertainment, activities and games for the kids are some of the planned activities.

"We've got over 50 vendors this year, which is double our usual amount," Glaves said.

From noon until 2 p.m., Central Emergency Services will host an open house. The new emergency vehicles, two ambulances, engine, tanker and fire rescue boat will all be on display. There will be a free raffle for rides in the ladder truck.

From noon until 4 p.m., the Soldotna Area Senior Citizens will hold a fund-raiser barbecue at the senior center.

"We've also got car shows," Glaves said.

From noon to 4 p.m. is a Ronald McDonald House charities fund-raiser car show and barbecue called Cruise for Kids. Attendees can test their racing skills on the Goodwrench No. 29, Kevin Harvick computerized race car, and raffle tickets will be sold for a 1970 Pontiac GTO.

From 1 to 4 p.m. is the Bill Banta Memorial Car Show and Shine. The event will include opportunities to vote for the coolest vehicles.

"We also have the rodeo on Saturday and Sunday," Glaves said, which takes place from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the rodeo grounds.

There will be real bucking bull riding, jackpot team penning and special events.

Soldotna Public Library will get into the action with its annual used book sale from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

From 2 to 4 p.m., VFW Post No. 10046 on Birch Avenue will hold its annual barbecue and Chicken S—- contest.

Sunday, the festivities continue with the Soldotna Creek Celebration at Soldotna Creek Park from noon to 4 p.m. Free food, vendors and live music, local arts and crafts and awards presentations are on tap.

"There's just stuff going on everywhere," Glaves said.