Irish roots are optional for Snoqualmie business owners planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17, with a downtown-wide bash.

Merchants in Snoqualmie’s historic downtown district already mark the occasions of Easter and Halloween, inviting families in a candy, balloons and coloring contests.

However, Snoqualmie Economic Consultant Bob Cole said members of the Snoqualmie Downtown Merchants’ Association would like to do something special for more holidays this year.

Formed last year, the association is building cohesion downtown even during challenging economic times.

“We’d like to show some enthusiasm and encourage people to support their local merchants, and have fun doing it,” Cole said.

For St. Patty’s Day, a Celtic-themed concert is planned at Isadora’s Books and Cafe, and merchants are planning to decorate and dress up.