The annual Runnin' O' the Green race, sponsored by Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department, kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave.

People can opt for a 5K (3-mile) walk or an 8K run (5-mile) race. Costumes are encouraged. Details: 360-778-7000, cob.org/services/recreation/races.

The same day, the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at noon to honor the Bellingham Police and Fire departments and to celebrate all things Irish and green. Everyone is welcome.

Participants gather in the parking lot at corner of Cornwall Avenue and Ohio Street, near Bellingham High School, then parade south on Cornwall, turning left at Chestnut Street and right onto Railroad Avenue.

The parade will proceed past Depot Market Square and turn right at East Maple Street, ending at the parking lot at East Maple and Cornwall.

If your entry is not a band or a float, no application is needed; simply show up at the staging area between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. If the weather is rainy or windy it's OK to show up at 11:30 a.m. Overflow lineup, especially floats and vehicles, will stage on Halleck Street.

Floats and bands can register online at stpatsbham.com.

Reach Margaret Bikman at 360-715-2273 or margaret.bikman@bellinghamherald.com. Follow Bellingham Entertainment on Facebook or @bhamentertainme on Twitter.