HOT SPRINGS, AR--(Marketwire - Mar 14, 2012) - On March 17, 2012, a sea of green will take over the legendary 98-foot-long Bridge Street in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas for the First Ever Ninth Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade.
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, but it has grown rapidly over the years and now sees more than 30,000 people in attendance.
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 Bo Derek has held the honor. This year's Celebrity Grand Marshal will be Tim Matheson, well-known for his role in "Animal House" and many other productions.
Hot Spring celebs and notables are selected as King and Queen of the parade, and the 2012 Royal Couple will be Lance Hudnell, the Hot Springs city manager and Cherri Mertz-Hatley, who serves on the administrative staff of counselors at Hot Springs High School.
The First Ever Ninth 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 leprechauns march down Bridge Street. Following the parade will be a concert by 38 Special at the Hill Wheatley Plaza.
The parade is sponsored by Visit Hot Springs and is governed by a volunteer board of various Hot Springs business owners and community leaders. For more information, visit www.shorteststpats.com.
