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Do you love St. Patrick’s Day? Are you a fan of parades? Do you like celebrating but just can’t stand for hours? Well, I have the parade for you. The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hot Springs, Arkansas!
The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the most wonderful time of the beer in Hot Springs, Arkansas. When you join the festivities, you’ll be-leaf me when I say you’ll be seeing green!
About The World’s Shortest St. Patricks Day Parade: An Overview
Every March in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the quaint and homey lake town transforms into an Irish wonderland perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate the fun and charming holiday. The World’s Shortest St. Patricks Day Parade only covers a total distance of 98 feet, making it the shortest parade in the world, but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in its lively and spirited atmosphere. From green beer to live music and everything in between, you’re sure to have a great time. Whether you’re looking to make some pour decisions or just have some good family fun, you’ll find it at the World’s Shortest St. Patricks Day Parade.
Where is the parade?
The parade is in Hot Springs, Arkansas. More specifically, on the 98-foot-long Bridge Street in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. The street is nestled right into the downtown entertainment district of the city. It truly is the perfect place to hold such a cheerful parade.
When is the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
The parade will be held on Friday, March 17, 2024. This will be the first ever 20th Annual Worlds Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It has been 20 wonderful years since the inaugural parade, so this year is a great year to celebrate!
When did the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade begin?
The concept began in 2003, but the first official parade was held on March 17th, 2004. The first parade covered a distance of only 98 feet. Despite its short length, the parade attracted thousands of visitors who were drawn to the festive and lively atmosphere of the event.
How long is the parade?
The parade lasts a bit over an hour. The locals love getting into the event; with all of the unique floats and characters in the parade, you’ll feel like the whole thing has flown by. However, the parade is just one of many St. Patrick’s Day festivities that take place in Hot Springs; visitors can extend their celebrations and enjoy a variety of other events and activities throughout the day.
If you wish the parade were longer, we highly suggest not missing out on the measuring of the parade route and getting a good spot an hour before the parade begins.
What is the history behind the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
Steve Arrison, an Irish descent Arkansan, was with some friends at the pub contemplating how to bring more visitors to their beautiful town. The pub they were at was conveniently on what Ripley’s Believe It or Not! named the World’s Shortest Street in Everyday Use. You guessed it, Bridge Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas. They used the famous 98-foot-long street to their advantage to promote their great city. With a mix of their Irish culture, short street, and the fact that Saint Patrick’s day was near, the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade was born! The First Ever First Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held on March 17th, 2004. That day made history for the St. Patrick’s parade holiday. Thousands of people showed up and shamrocked out during the festivities.
The parade has become a beloved tradition in Hot Springs, with locals and tourists alike eagerly anticipating the annual event. In 2011, the parade made headlines when the Guinness World Records returned to the city and recognized it as the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Since then, the parade has only grown in popularity, with each year’s event featuring more elaborate floats, costumes, and performances.
Today, the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a must-attend event for anyone looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun, festive, and unique way.
The 2024 World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade Schedule
Friday, March 17th
3:00 pm Bridge Street is ready for fun. The entertainment district opens!
4:00 pm Pucker up those lips because the Blarney Stone $100 Kissing Contest begins!
5:00 pm It’s pre-gaming time with pre-parade activities.
6:25 pm It’s time to see how size really does matter with the official measuring of the Bridge Street Parade route.
6:30 pm The main event. The 20th annual parade begins!
8:00 pm After all the parade fun, it’s time to grab your friends and watch the Molly Ringwalds FREE concert!
The events don’t stop there! That’s right; the celebration lasts through Saturday, March 18th. Here’s the lowdown on Saturday’s events!
Saturday, March 18th
3:00 pm Get those running shoes on and start stretching while picking up the zero-K Packet Pick up on Bridge Street.
5:00 pm Bridge Street and the entertainment district opens. Explore the city’s exciting nightlife.
5:00 pm Lineup at the starting line because the Zero-K race begins on Bridge Street!
8:00 pm The Village People are live in concert for FREE!
Musical Acts To See
The fun doesn’t stop when the parade ends – in fact, it’s just getting started! Two incredible free concerts will take place after the parade, featuring two legendary bands: The Molly Ringwalds and The Village People.
After the parade ends on Friday, March 17th, get ready to rock out with The Molly Ringwalds in a FREE live concert. This high-energy band has been thrilling audiences for years with their infectious blend of 80s classics. Fans of the band will be singing along to all their favorite hits, including “Don’t You Want Me,” “Take On Me,” and “Everybody Have Fun Tonight.” So, wear your dancing shoes and prepare for a night of fun, laughter, and fantastic music.
The Village People will perform a FREE live concert in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the day after the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade! That’s right, get ready to dance and sing along to all your favorite hits from the legendary disco group. Fans of the Village People will be thrilled to hear all their classic hits, including “YMCA,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy.” The band’s vibrant performances and ear-wormy tunes are sure to get everyone up and dancing, making it the perfect way to cap off a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Hot Springs.
This is a rare opportunity to see both iconic bands live, and the fact that both concerts are free makes it even better. It’s sure to be a weekend of non-stop fun and celebration.
Celebrity Spotlight: Who are the Grand Marshal and Official Starter of the 2024 Parade?
Every year the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade confirms two celebrities to be a part of the fun: the Grand Marshal and the Official Starter.
In past years Grand Marshalls have wowed audiences with their star power, including Dick Kelley, Bob Wheeler, George Wendt, Pauley Shore, Mario Lopez, Mike Rowe, John Ratzenberger, Bo Derek, John Corbett, Tim Matheson, Jim Belushi, Mark Martin, Kevin Bacon, Alfonso Ribeiro, Joey Fatone, Ralph Macchio, and Cheech Martin.
Over the years, Official Starters have been huge successes with celebrities Danny Trejo, John Heder, Ric Flair, Gary Busey, The Swon Brothers, Mountain Man, and beloved Twitch, who recently passed.
Whew, what a celeb-packed list that is!
The Grand Marshal:
The 2023 Grand Marshall is none other than Arkansas’ own country royalty, Justin Moore! The Arkansas native and chart-topping singer will lead the parade with his signature swagger and down-home charm, ensuring this year’s event is one for the books. From “Small Town USA” to “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” Justin Moore’s music embodies the spirit of small-town America, and there’s no better person to lead the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade than this country music superstar.
The Official Starter:
The 2023 Official Starter is Christopher McDonald, aka “Shooter McGavin” from the legendary golf movie “Happy Gilmore”! He is set to fire up the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade with the starter’s pistol! That’s right, the man who made us all laugh with his villainous role as a pro golfer will kick off the parade with a bang. With his commanding presence and infectious energy, McDonald is sure to set the tone for the parade and get everyone pumped up for a day of non-stop fun and celebration.
Main Things To See During The Celebrations
Don’t miss out on these fan favorites of the parade!
Parade King and Queen
Every year in Hot Springs, Arkansas, a special tradition takes place during the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade – the crowning of the parade King and Queen. This unique honor began back in 2008 when a secret committee of the original parade organizers chose the first King and Queen. Since then, the tradition has continued to grow, with the crowning ceremony becoming an annual highlight of the parade.
This year’s parade King and Queen are longtime community servants – nearly retired human resources director, Minnie Lenox, and John Homer Write, a retired circuit judge, both working for Hot Springs. These bright people have helped the Hot Springs community more than you can imagine over the span of their careers.
Keep an eye out for this year’s King and Queen as they make their way down the parade route!
Marching Irish Elvis Impersonators
Now, this is where we get kind of personal here. In 2019 I had the opportunity to join the marching Irish Elvis impersonators in the parade as Priscilla Presley. I wasn’t the only Priscilla, but I sure had a rocking time being a part of it all. They are all lovely people, and being a part of the parade was an unforgettable experience.
The International Order of Irish Elvi (IOIE) has marched in every parade since 2005. They represent Elvis in every form and fashion. You won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind Elvis attraction!
Kissing the Arkansas Irish Blarney Stone
Get ready to embrace the luck of the Irish at the Hot Springs Convention Center, where you’ll find the Arkansas Blarney Stone on display. Legend has it that this mystical stone was discovered by a leprechaun deep in the surrounding forests, and it has become a beloved symbol of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The stone also serves as the focal point for the “Romancing the Stone” kissing contests, where brave participants try to plant a smooch on the stone to win the title of Best Kisser in Hot Springs. Whether you want to join in the fun or simply soak up the festive atmosphere, don’t miss your chance to be part of this beloved tradition.
The World’s Largest Leprechaun
Roger Scott is the newly named World’s Largest Leprechaun, at least for this parade. Scott is actually a well-known host of the huge hit radio station show, “Show With No Name,” on Little Rock 103.7 The Buzz. Make sure to be on the lookout for this unusually tall leprechaun!
World’s Largest Inflatable Irish Pub
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind inflatable pub! This massive structure, which is 24 by 33 feet and seven and a half feet tall, can be inflated in just minutes! The pub boasts an impressive interior that looks just like a traditional Irish pub, complete with wooden benches, a bar, and even a faux fireplace. The inflatable pub was named OKelley’s in honor of Dick Kelley, the co-grand marshall of the inaugural parade. O’Kelley’s provides a fun and festive atmosphere for festival-goers. So grab a pint of your favorite brew and toast to the luck of the Irish in this one-of-a-kind setting – you’re sure to have a grand time in the world’s largest inflatable pub!
The World’s Largest Potato On Wheels
One of the absolute fan favorites is the four-ton spudtacular potato on wheels! The world-class potato is a favorite entry among everyone participating in the annual parade. The harsh 90-degree turn they must make onto the parade street is a true nailbiter! You won’t believe your eyes when you see this massive tater in person.
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are set to return for the First Ever 20th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Cheerleaders have become a favorite among parade-goers ever since their first appearance in 2013. With their high-energy performances and wonderful enthusiasm, it’s easy to see why the crowd can’t get enough of them!
Missouri City’s Kiltie Female Drum and Bugle Corps
The Kilties from Missouri are sure to be a hit performing a Scottish-inspired dance at this year’s parade! Although they are traditional Scottish Drum and Bugle Corps marchers, they have the same look and feel as Irish kilt wearers and will fit in perfectly with the parade. Don’t miss out on watching the oldest, all-female, uniformed Scottish drum and bugle corps in the U.S. during the parade!
Everything Green! (Green Food & Beer, Green Hair, Green Fountains)
Don’t be afraid; you’re not imagining it. The sea of green is real! Parade marchers and watchers alike go all out on the holiday spirit by wearing whatever green they have! You’ll be sure to see green hair, dresses, tops, and pants wherever you go! Not only that, but you’ll also find green fountains, food, beer and beverages, and more! Join in by wearing the staple color, and it might just bring you some luck!
Beads – Collect Them All!
The natives here like to compare the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, so you know beads will be everywhere! Have a competition with your friends to see who can get the most beads by the night’s end, and watch the fun ensue.
How safe is the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
The parade is a safe event that is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year. The event is organized and managed by local authorities who ensure that all safety measures are in place.
There are police officers and other security personnel on duty to maintain order and ensure the safety of attendees. Visitors are encouraged to follow common-sense safety practices such as staying hydrated, wearing comfortable shoes, and being aware of their surroundings. Overall, the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fun and safe event that provides a unique and memorable St. Patrick’s Day experience.
Where To Stay In Hot Springs
Here are some of the best places to stay in Hot Springs that are close to the parade and all of the fun!
🍀Embassy Suites Hot Springs – Hotel & Spa
Why the Embassy Suites? They are so close to the parade route that if you are on the right side of the hotel, you could watch the whole parade from your room! Of course, there are other amenities that make this hotel the perfect place to stay downtown all year round.
This hotel offers a free cooked-to-order breakfast that will excite your tastebuds each morning. Not only do they have free breakfast, but they also have free happy hour drinks from 5 – 7 pm each day!
For your convenience, they have a free shuttle service that will take its guests to downtown Hot Springs. The Embassy Suites Hot Springs – Hotel & Spa is close to all of the top attractions and provides top-notch service to its guests. To see and experience all of what this hotel has to offer, click here.
🏨 Book Your Stay At Embassy Suites Hot Springs – Hotel & Spa by clicking here.
🍀Candlewood Suites Hot Springs, an IHG Hotel
The Candlewood Suites is like a home away from home! Every room has a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, pots and pans, silverware, and a coffee pot in the kitchen. There are even more appliances available to use free of charge at the front desk. To top it off, they have a free-to-use washer and dryer for your clothes.
The National Park is three miles away. A six-minute drive to the wonderful Bridge Street St. Patricks Day Parade itself. To see and experience all of what this hotel has to offer, click here.
🏨 Book Your Stay At Candlewood Suites Hot Springs by clicking here.
🍀Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hot Springs, an IHG Hotel
No better place to stay for a holiday than at the Holiday Inn Express! They’re known for their cleanliness and caring staff. The feature rooms in the hotel all have a modern feel to them. For example, sitting poolside indoors with neon-colored lights above makes it an even more fun experience for all.
The four-mile (nine-minute) drive to downtown Hot Springs is close enough to get to the parade easily and be around all of the best activities and unique shops, but far enough not to worry about the road noise. To see and experience all of what this hotel has to offer, click here.
🏨 Book Your Stay At Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hot Springs by clicking here.
🍀Bonus Recommendation for Adults Only: Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
This bed and breakfast is truly a one-of-a-kind adult retreat! The comfy atmosphere of the charming home is right on the lake and provides a number of unique rooms to rent. The B&B provides a two-course gourmet breakfast, a beautiful garden to sit and relax in, a free-to-use water sports facility, and a standard EV and Tesla charger on site. To see and experience all of what this hotel has to offer, click here.
🏨 Book Your Stay At Lookout Point Lakeside Inn by clicking here.
Where To Eat and Drink
There are too many great restaurants in Hot Springs to count, but here are my top three favorites!
The Ohio Club
The Ohio Club has a vast and rich history to its name. The restaurant has been around since 1905, and it’s the oldest bar in the state! Obviously, they know what they are doing since they’re still in business today. Their burgers are widely known and loved by their customers. So if you go, I recommend trying whichever one on the menu that catches your eye.
While enjoying your meal, you can also enjoy the nightlife downtown! The Ohio Club is the place for nightlife entertainment in the heart of the city. They have live music and extended hours every Thursday through Monday night.
Colorado Grill
The Colorado Grill’s unique and inviting atmosphere makes dining there a wonderful experience. The building used to be an old movie theatre that they transformed into their southwest-style restaurant. The menu is filled with tasty southwest-inspired dishes that everyone will love.
SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint
Located near the heart of downtown, you will find a unique and delicious pizza joint called SQZBX. The pizzas are all handmade with thought and care. The dough is made every morning at 5 am and let sit to rise until the next day for the ultimate pizza crust.
This even applies to their gluten-free options! Finding a pizza place with celiac disease-friendly pizza options is rare. Even when they do have gluten-free options, they always seem to be lackluster. Here you are treated like every other normal pizza connoisseur. If you don’t like pizza or are still afraid of possible gluten contamination, they do have a variety of other foods on the menu to choose from.
If you are someone who enjoys alcohol, they have a brewery right in the restaurant with windows to let you see the details of their operation. They have beer, wine, and regular beverages on site.
World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade FAQs
Where Is The Prime Area To Watch The Parade?
The best place to watch the actual parade is on Bridge Street. However, the parade meeting point is a bit farther away and takes time to get to the actual location.
During the path to the “beginning” of the parade, the best places to watch the floats and parade goers are just south of Bridge Street, on Central Avenue, and Malvern Avenue. You’ll get a chance to see the parade twice! Once as it comes and the other as it leaves. If you are usually a little late, these streets might be better for you.
What To Wear
In short, green! I would stick to a gold, red/orange, and green color palate for this occasion. People love wearing green and orange hair, shamrocks, glitter, costumes of leprechauns, and other Irish themes for the day. You can go all out or dress like yourself; it’s truly up to you.
If you are worried about the weather, it usually ranges from 46°F to 63°F and is rarely below 32°F or above 76°F. So, in this case, it’s probably better to have a medium jacket and pants or leggings on with your outfit. It’s typically a great time for a big outdoor celebration!
What to do if it rains?
Never fear; the green will still appear! The parade will go on even if there is rain. It could be postponed a few minutes or later if severe weather warnings are in place. If this happens, you will be made aware of the situation as soon as possible. The parade officials prefer not to have people bring umbrellas as they can be a hazard to others around.
Is alcohol allowed outside of restaurants?
There will be secure areas where alcohol is allowed outside of restaurants. Security in orange vests will monitor the crowds and can help direct you to those designated areas.
Where are the public bathrooms?
No need to worry! You can find free-to-use portable toilets around the parade in public areas. They should be easily located, but if you can not find them ask an usher or security member, and they will gladly locate the nearest one for you.
Where can I find out more?
Looking for more specific details and pictures? Start by visiting the official website for Visit Hot Springs, the city’s tourism board, here. You can also follow their social media channels for updates and announcements. Additionally, local news outlets and community calendars are great resources for more information about the parade. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned parade-goer, there are plenty of ways to stay up-to-date and get all the information you need to make the most of your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Hot Springs.
The Wrap-Up on the 2024 World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Get ready for a weekend of non-stop festivities in Hot Springs, Arkansas! The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is just around the corner, and this year’s event promises to be one for the books. So, pack your bags, grab your green gear, and get ready to witness a truly unforgettable event in the heart of Arkansas.
If you want to get to know more about me and my backstory, read my welcome blog here. Love this blog and are planning to go? Read my article on The 10 Best Products to Buy That Make Packing A Breeze, so you are always prepared for what travel life throws your way!
