Entries for the First Ever 21st Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade are already coming in with returning favorites and fresh groups.
Only 40 slots are available for the parade, which is held on 98-foot-long Bridge Street, and entries are due by March 1, unless the limit is reached earlier.
In addition to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which have become standard for the parade, the Cousin O'Eddies are returning for their second year.
The group models itself on Cousin Eddie Johnson, who was played by Randy Quaid in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Their entry form said they were "the Irish cousins of Cousin Eddie from 'Christmas Vacation.' We bring his charm and sophistication -- or lack thereof -- to the parade."
"The Cousin O'Eddie's brought so much energy last year," Alexis Hampo, special events coordinator for Visit Hot Springs, said. "Their first time ever participating in the parade was in 2023. I'm really excited that they'll be coming back. They seem to be immediate fan favorites."
Hot Springs Health and Fitness has also made an appearance in the past, although there is a new theme for their entry this year. Called the Aqua Babes, the group "will be walking and performing a synchronized routine dressed as Irish aqua fitness babes, green attire, green swim caps and goggles plus aqua dumbbells," their entry form said.
"Hot Springs Health and Fitness has participated before, but doing a synchronized swimmer theme is brand new for them," Hampo said. "I think their costumes -- they always are fantastic. And I think with this new theme and direction for their entry, it's going to be a lot of fun to see."
A new entry for this year's parade is The Wandering Witches -- Shamrockin' Witches, which Hampo said hails from Hot Springs Village.
"We are a dancing group that perform as Celtic witches," their entry form said. "For the parade we will represent Irish Green with varying costumes, lots of dazzle and sparkling lights. We have an eight-foot green banner with our name, 'Shamrockin' Witches,' bedecked with shamrocks that will be carried in front of our group. We will be bopping and cackling the whole parade."
Hampo said the group has not applied to participate in the parade before.
"This is the first time that they have ever applied to be in the parade, and the committee did accept their application," she said. "I'm so excited. I think it's a really creative idea, and I think it's going to be a great and unique way to celebrate the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade."
To register for the parade, email Hampo at [email protected] for the entry form.
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith will serve as grand marshal for the parade while "Yellowstone" star Forrie J. Smith will be the official starter. Two of Hot Springs' own -- film star Joey Lauren Adams and armwrestler Michael "The Monster" Todd -- will reign over the parade as queen and king on March 17.
Country music star Pat Green will perform a free concert on the Bridge Street stage on March 16 to kick off the weekend, and pop tribute band The Molly Ringwalds returns for a free concert following the parade on March 17.