Soldotna’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is slated to be back in full swing this year.

Sara Hondel, the director of tourism and education at the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, said she’s excited for the event’s return.

“I think it’s just a great way for the community to come together to support local,” she said.

The parade was the first Soldotna Chamber event canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, and was also the first event back in March 2021.

The parade begins Thursday, March 17, at Parker Park in Soldotna at 4:30 p.m. The parade route, used for the first time last year, starts at the park and moves down Fireweed Street, then down Redoubt Avenue toward the “Y” intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur highways.

Hondel said there is no sign-up needed for the parade, and that school groups, nonprofits and businesses are welcome to line up around Parker Park at 4 p.m. Thursday. She said everyone is encouraged to wear green and join in the fun, whether it be as a participant or spectator.

“It’s pretty fun to be both,” she said.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.