HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — While cities such as New York and Chicago are renowned for their massive St. Patrick’s Day parades that draw huge crowds and involve quantities of green beer, a quaint city in Arkansas offers a unique twist with its own parade that stands out for quite a different reason. Hot Springs, best known for its healing mineral springs, hosts what it proudly calls the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, covering just 98 feet.
For over 20 years, this charming event has taken place on Bridge Street in downtown Hot Springs, turning into a significant attraction for the city. It’s even captured the interest of celebrities, with personalities like actress Valerie Bertinelli and hip-hop legend Flavor Flav joining the celebratory lineup.
The origins of this charming affair can be traced back to 2003. According to Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs, the concept stemmed from a casual moment when he and some friends were out enjoying beverages at a downtown eatery. During a conversation about St. Patrick’s Day festivities, someone proposed the idea of launching a parade.
Thus, in the subsequent year, the inaugural parade was held, drawing a promising crowd of 1,500 attendees. Today, organizers estimate that this unique event attracts over 30,000 spectators each year.
Despite its short distance, the parade crams in plenty of fun and entertainment. It boasts around 40 floats and includes diverse participants like the International Order of the Marching Irish Elvi, a group of Elvis Presley impersonators. Another float showcases members from the local chapter of the International Society of Helen Ropers, all dressed as the character from the 1970s sitcom “Three’s Company.”
The parade often features a celebrity grand marshal and an official parade starter, with past appearances by actor Kevin Bacon, George Wendt from “Cheers,” and country star Justin Moore. This year, Valerie Bertinelli takes on the role of grand marshal while Flavor Flav kicks things off as the official starter. Unique to this parade, it features a special green edition of the signature clock necklace that Flavor Flav is known for.
Additionally, since the last several years, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have been a notable part of the festivities, adding flair and excitement to the event.
Beyond the parade, numerous activities keep the celebration alive, such as a concert and the beloved “Blarney Stone kissing contest.” Before the parade begins on Monday, the measuring of the 98-foot route takes place as a ceremonial start to the event.
However, the claim to the title of the shortest parade isn’t uncontested. Other cities have tried to vie for attention with their brief parades, including two places in New York that engaged in a playful rivalry. Bemidji, Minnesota, also planned a short 78-pace parade on Monday. Additionally, Hot Springs maintains a friendly rivalry with Adamsville, Rhode Island, another city claiming the title with its 89-foot route, though it takes place a day prior to St. Patrick’s Day.
Skeptical of rival claims, Arrison is quick to underline that Hot Springs has exclusive rights to the title “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” safeguarding its quirky niche in St. Patrick’s Day lore.
