Luck never seems to be in short supply around Spa City, but on March 17, it will be very short indeed. The First Ever 23rd Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back in Hot Springs this March. At a mere 98 feet long, the parade route follows Bridge Street, the world’s shortest street in everyday operational use.
Do not be fooled by the diminutive dimensions, however — the world-famous shindig still manages to pack a punch in terms of festival-like fun and more than just a wee bit of Irish spirit. The parade always attracts a lineup of interesting characters, from musicians and movie stars to internet sensations, and this year is no different.
Serving as 2026 grand marshal is actress, model, singer and entrepreneur Carmen Electra of Baywatch and Scary Movie fame, and American Ninja Warrior host Matt Iseman is on deck as the official parade starter.
Special guests include the returning crowd favorites, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, as well as former Arkansas Razorback and College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan “Danimal” Hampton. Also dancing his way down the route will be Vincent “Vinny” Chapman, better known as the Dancing Umpire for a Savannah Bananas baseball team that has taken the country and social media by storm.
Oodles of parade-goers and visitors from all over will be lined up well in advance to secure a prime spot for the parade action, as well as take part in the day’s lead-up activities. At 4 p.m., “athletes” of all descriptions will gather for the 5th Ever World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Zero-K. Covering 299 feet of Bridge Street, the antimarathon benefits the Tri-Lakes Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA. Also at 4 p.m. is the Blarney Stone Kissing Contest, an outrageous event happening in front of the Hot Springs Convention Center.
The excitement starts to build at 5 p.m. with preparade festivities and hijinks culminating with the annual Official Measuring of Parade Route at 6:29 p.m., followed by the parade itself, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. The festival program concludes with a free concert by The Molly Ringwalds and their Ultimate ‘80s Experience right after the parade ends.
Perhaps a little crazy, but definitely one-of-a-kind and an assuredly good time — sounds about right for this beloved Hot Springs tradition.
READ ALSO: Dan Hampton Relishes Return to Arkansas as Special Guest for Hot Springs World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
