HOT SPRINGS, AR--(Marketwire - March 9, 2011) - The First Ever Eighth Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade is set to take place on March 17, 2011 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The parade, which draws thousands of people each year, takes place on the legendary 98-foot-long Bridge Street in downtown Hot Springs.
The first World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade was held on March 17, 2004 as a result of locals discussing ways to attract visitors to Hot Springs to see Bridge Street, the World's Shortest Street in Everyday Use. The first parade attracted a few thousand people.
Since then, the Hot Springs parade has grown to attract more than 30,000 revelers. Over the years, The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade has expanded to include traditions such as the annual Blarney Stone-kissing contest, known as "Romancing the Stone."
Each year, a Celebrity Grand Marshal reigns over the festivities, and everyone from Mike Rowe to Mario Lopez has held the honor. Following the parade, this year's Celebrity Grand Marshal, John Corbett of "Northern Exposure" and "Sex in the City" will perform hits from his country music album with his touring band.
Hot Spring celebs and notables are selected as King and Queen of the parade, and the 2011 Royal Couple will be Dick Anotine, Hot Springs radio talk show host and Susan Harper, Visitor Service Manager and volunteer at Garvan Woodland Gardens.
The First Ever Eighth Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. after the ceremonial measuring of the parade route. For one exciting hour, zany floats, motorcycles, classic cars, musicians, Irish Elvis impersonators and the "World's Tallest Leprechaun" march down Bridge Street.
The parade is sponsored by the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau and is governed by a volunteer board of various Hot Springs business owners and community leaders. For more information, visit www.shorteststpats.com.
