Our cover features the King and Queen of the First Ever 23rd Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade®.
The 2026 monarchs are King Monte Everhart and Queen JoAnn Mangione, who will greet their subjects as they ride down 98-foot Bridge Street at 6:30 p.m. on March 17.
Everhart, a retired businessman who has long appeared at the event billed as the World’s Tallest Leprechaun, is in his last year in the role.
“Being selected King in this, my final year as the World’s Tallest Leprechaun, came as a complete surprise,” Everhart said. “I will really miss being part of something that has allowed me to make some incredible memories.”
“I would like to thank the parade organizers for allowing me to put on the green suit and represent this town that I love so much and to carry on the tradition started by the original World’s Tallest Leprechaun, my friend, the late Dick Antoine.”
Mangione, an Arizona native who’s resided in Hot Springs since 1989, edits and publishes The Springs Magazine (Yes! THIS one) a monthly tourism publication.
“I’m grinning like a kid who just found the Lucky Charm float,” she said. “I can’t wait to wave, cheer, and probably throw in a few dance moves — no promises on coordination. You’ve given me the best excuse to wear something sparkly and ridiculous in public.”
The 23rd edition of the internationally acclaimed little parade will cover the 98-foot length of Bridge Street, the World’s Shortest Street in Everyday Use, according to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. The parade brings worldwide attention to Hot Springs and helps expand the city’s reputation as a city that knows how to have fun. Upwards of 30,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Spa City for the 2026 parade.
“To my subjects, I proclaim that you must party on,” Everhart said.
This publisher is wildly grateful for the honor and fully prepared to stir up all kinds of shenanigans at the parade. Show up, buckle in, and get ready for a wonderfully unhinged good time.
Big thanks to Visit Hot Springs and everyone who’s along for the ride!!!
