6 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • March 2025
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WRITTEN BY LAURA CARTER
letter to reader
The World's Shortest
St. Patrick's Day Parade
When most people think of St. Patrick's Day parades, they envision long, grand
processions with elaborate fl oats, marching bands, and thousands of specta-
tors. But in the small town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, the world's shortest St.
Patrick's Day Parade stands as a
charming and quirky excep on.
With a route measuring just 98 feet
(30 meters), it's not the length that
makes this parade special—it's the
heart, the humor, and the unique
community vibe that draws visitors
year a er year.
A QUIRKY TRADITION
The Hot Springs St. Patrick's Day
Parade was fi rst held in 2003, when
the city decided to embrace the
holiday with something a li le out of
the ordinary.
The parade's route begins on Bridge
Street, a narrow stretch of road in
the heart of Hot Springs' historic
district. The event typically lasts just
a few minutes, but it's packed with
local fl avor, colorful costumes, and
a sense of humor that sets it apart
from larger, more tradi onal parades.
As the smallest parade in the world,
it has become a beloved tradi on
and a true highlight of Hot Springs'
St. Patrick's Day fes vi es.
Fredericksburg has quirky St. Pat-
rick's Day celebra ons as well. Check
out our calendar for ideas at www.
FredericksburgParent.net.
Laura Carter is the Fred Parent social
media director.
