RALEIGH - Downtown traffic could be chaotic today with a parade, a road race and beer festival. Drivers will face delays and road closings throughout the day.

The events include:

* A Salute to our Troops parade at 10 a.m.

* SkirtChaser 5K Race and related events from noon to 6 p.m.

* World Beer Festival from noon to 10 p.m.

The beer festival, in Moore Square, will not require road closings but will generate traffic. Several roads will be closed for the parade and the race, however (see map of routes).

The race route will be closed from 5 to 5:45 p.m., but note that only the westbound lanes of Hillsborough will be closed.

The parade is part of an all-day celebration to honor the state's military families and active-duty and reserve troops. It will feature personnel carriers and other armored vehicles, mobile missile launchers, marching units from all branches of service and bands, drill teams and honor guards from high schools and universities. There will be displays of weapons, armored vehicles and marine rescue equipment.

Games, rides and other entertainment will follow the parade.

The SkirtChaser 5K is scheduled to run from 5 to 5:45 p.m. The race will begin with a women's start at 5 p.m., followed by a men's "skirt chaser" starting three minutes later. It will conclude with a post-race party at the Hibernian Pub at 311 Glenwood Ave. North Street between Glenwood and Boylan will be closed beginning at noon. It will remain closed Saturday night for a block party.