Attention anyone who wants to march, strut, crawl, walk backwards, skate, or ride a float in this year’s First Ever 16th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hot Springs: Entries are now being accepted to participate, and this year is one you certainly don’t want to miss.

Only 40 parade entries are accepted each year, so participants are asked to submit an official entry for to Leysa Lowery at the Hot Springs Convention Center by March 1. From there, entries must be approved by the official parade committee, and once the 40-unit limit is reached, submissions will close.

This year’s First Ever 16th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade®, will feature Ralph Macchio (best known for his roles in “The Karate Kid,” “The Outsiders,” and “My Cousin Vinny) as the celebrity grand marshal and Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Ellen DeGeneres’ favorite DJ and dancer, as the official starter. You’ll be able to “wax on, wax off” all the way down the path.

In the past, crowds gathered to cheer on a collection of Irish Elvis impersonators, green Irish wolfhounds, marching units such as Paddy O’Furniture, Irish belly dancers and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, as well as other unique units that cover the 98-foot length of Bridge Street in the heart of downtown Hot Springs, according to a press release.

Hey now, the fun doesn’t stop there – Smash Mouth will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at the Broadway Entertainment District stage. Yep, it’s 2019, and that’s really happening. What an all-star way to spend the eve of St. Patrick’s Day.

The parade, which began in 2003, has attracted 30,000 people each year and will begin at 6:30 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day after a full day of activities and lounging at the inflatable pub. Later that evening, head back to the Broadway Entertainment District stage to see Three Dog Night. No chairs will be permitted at either concert, according to a press release.

To get involved with the parade (and get a chance to see the band you’ve always wanted to see since their hit single, you know the one, hit the radio), find the official entry form at shorteststpats.com. Lowery can be reached at 501-321-2027 or by visiting the Visit Hot Springs offices in the Hot Springs Convention Center. And remember, only shooting stars break the mo-o-o-ld.