The Kenai Spur Highway was lined with green at the 26th annual Soldotna St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The parade kicked off at 4:30p.m. Friday, when participants left Bailey’s Furniture and marched along the highway, which was closed for the events.

All were welcome to participate in the parade and marchers ranged from large groups to families.

“We’re from Central Peninsula General Hospital and we all work in different areas of the hospital,” said J.J. Jacinto of Soldotna. “We thought it would be a blast to come out here and do this.”

Sonja and Tom Redmond also participated in the parade with their family, continuing their St. Paddy’s Day tradition.

“Well, we’re Irish and I think we’ve been at every parade that there’s been,” Sonja Redmond said. “We might have missed the first one or two, but it’s a family tradition and it’s something that we do and we all enjoy.”

Reach Kat Sorensen at kat.sorensen@peninsulaclarion.com.

Participants in the Soldotna St. Paddy’s Day Parade traveled down Kenai Spur Highway in cars and by foot, waving to parade-goers and handing out an assortment of treats on Friday, March 17, 2017 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Kat Sorensen/Peninsula Clarion)

Brock Miller donned his green attire for the Soldotna St. Paddy’s Day Parade while filling his bag with the different types of candy handed out by parade participants on Friday, March 17, 2017 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Kat Sorensen/Peninsula Clarion)

John and Nan Clonan wore their most Irish hats to watch the Soldotna St. Paddy’s Day Parade on Friday, March 17, 2017 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Kat Sorensen/Peninsula Clarion)

Laurel Johnson, left, Ella Siemers and Eric Johnson marched in the Soldotna St. Paddy’s Day Parade on Friday, March 17, 2017 in Soldotna, Alaska, with a green balloon in tow to show their holiday spirit. (Kat Sorensen/Peninsula Clarion)