Hot Springs, Arkansas, has gained a unique reputation in the realm of St. Patrick's Day celebrations with its claim to fame: the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Spanning only 98 feet, this quirky parade is a stark contrast to the grand events held in major cities like New York and Chicago, both of which are known for their extensive celebrations attracting large crowds and ample amounts of green beer.

This unusual parade in Hot Springs has been drawing in spectators for over twenty years, building a loyal following of more than 30,000 attendees annually. The parade takes place on Bridge Street in the downtown area of this resort town, which is particularly famous for its mineral-rich waters. Attracting a diverse mix of participants, the event has seen the involvement of various celebrities, including actress Valerie Bertinelli and rap icon Flavor Flav, who add to the festivities.

The inception of the parade can be traced back to a lighthearted discussion in 2003 among Steve Arrison, the CEO of Visit Hot Springs, and his friends while they were enjoying drinks at a local restaurant. The conversation sparked an idea: “Why don’t we have a parade?” The very first parade was held the following year, drawing approximately 1,500 spectators, a figure that has since dramatically increased.

Despite its short distance, the parade is packed with entertainment and features approximately 40 different floats. Among the participants, 100 members of the International Order of the Marching Irish Elvi, a group of Elvis Presley impersonators, take center stage. Another notable float showcases the local chapter of the International Society of Helen Ropers, which features participants dressed as the beloved character from the 1970s sitcom, “Three’s Company.”

This year, Valerie Bertinelli serves as the grand marshal, while Flavor Flav takes on the role of the official starter. Over the years, the parade has hosted celebrities like actor Kevin Bacon, “Cheers” star George Wendt, and country musician Justin Moore. Flavor Flav’s involvement even inspired the creation of a green version of his signature clock necklace, adding a touch of creativity to the parade.

In addition to the main event, the celebration in Hot Springs includes various activities, such as a concert and a “Blarney Stone kissing contest.” An official measuring of the short route is conducted before the parade kicks off, reinforcing its title as the shortest of its kind.

Other cities have made attempts to contest Hot Springs’ claim to the title of the shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade. Notably, two cities in New York have engaged in rivalry over this distinction. Moreover, Bemidji, Minnesota, announced plans for a 78-pace parade on the same day. In a similar vein, a contingency in Adamsville, Rhode Island, asserts a claim to an 89-foot parade route, but Arrison dismisses their assertion, pointing out that their event occurs a day prior to St. Patrick’s Day.

Importantly, the organizers of the Hot Springs parade have taken proactive measures to protect their claim by copyrighting the title “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” ensuring that their unique celebration remains recognized and celebrated in a distinctive manner.