THE WILD AND WHIMSICAL WORLD’S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE IS BACK!
Get Ready, Folks! Hot Springs, Arkansas is About to Cash In on the Craziest Parade You May Ever See!
Forget the traditional St. Patrick’s Day extravaganzas in cities like New York and Chicago – there’s a whole different kind of madness brewing in Hot Springs, Arkansas! This year, the town is set to unleash its legendary 98-foot parade, and it’s not just short, it’s outrageously fun!
FROM BARSTOOL CHAT TO A GLOBAL PHENOMENON!
The story of this bizarre parade began back in 2003 when Steve Arrison, the great mind behind Visit Hot Springs, and his pals were deep in conversation over “adult beverages” at a downtown restaurant. They thought, why not toss in a parade? And boom! The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade was born, kicking off its first event the very next year!
What started with about 1,500 enthusiastic watchers has surged to a jaw-dropping 30,000 spectators who line up every year just to witness this compact mayhem!
WHAT IN THE NAME OF GREEN IS A 98-FOOT PARADE?
Hold onto your shamrocks, because this tiny parade is packed tighter than a leprechaun’s pot of gold! Expect 40 zany floats wheeling down Bridge Street and a wild crew of 100 Elvis Presley impersonators. Yes, you read that right! They’re called the International Order of the Marching Irish Elvi, and they come ready to shake their hips and spread festive cheer.
Don’t be surprised to see a float dedicated to Helen Roper from the beloved 70s sitcom “Three’s Company.” Talk about a hilariously nostalgic touch!
This year, the parade rolls out with an illustrious guest lineup, including none other than Valerie Bertinelli as the grand marshal and Flavor Flav himself kicking off the shenanigans. As if that’s not enough, they’ve created a green clock necklace just for Flav, adding a delightfully quirky twist to the event!
PARTY TIME WITH EXTRA GOODIES!
But wait, there’s more! This outrageous spectacle isn’t just about the parade. Dive into a full weekend of festivities, including live concerts and a legendary “Blarney Stone kissing contest” to crown the most daring attendees.
And before the wild ride kicks off on Monday, there’s an official measuring of the route – you know, because accuracy is vital when it comes to such important business!
THE BATTLE FOR THE TITLE OF THE ‘SHORTEST’
As you might expect, jealous parades have tried to stir the pot, claiming their routes as the shortest. A couple of rival cities in New York have been squabbling over their claims, and we’ve even got a 78-foot parade in Bemidji, Minnesota trying to crash the party! But fear not – Hot Springs holds the crown, with their coveted title legally protected!
So, gear up, and make your way to Hot Springs to witness a spectacle that’s so wild, it’ll make traditional parades feel like a snooze-fest! This year’s parade promises to deliver thrills, laughs, and memories that will last far longer than the parade itself! Don’t miss out on the fun!
photo credit: fortune.com
