Chillaxin

I cannot believe that I have never been to the First Ever 15th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hot Springs, AR. My aunt won a contest on FaceBook from a local auto dealer to ride on their float. She in turn, invited us to come hang out in the VIP room and watch from the balcony. She tells me you have to dress up crazy. I do have a little Irish in my blood, my grandmother was an O’Sugg. So, I figure let’s do this. She says the parade experience is referred to being similar to Mardi Gras…..well, been there done that, game on!

What’s a Girl to Wear

Closet time – Yoda looked to be the most likely to succeed in providing the right colors for the event at hand, long sleeves would be great, being loose helps hide the extra fluff floating around the midsection currently, besides he’s my fav. I found him at a great little upscale resale shop out in Arizona two summers ago. Bought him for CB (Cabana Boy) for Father’s Day, but the first time I put him on I knew we were a perfect match! He completes me, js! Now, as for Lonette (the aunt), she was going to be riding on Riser Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep + Fiat Dealer Float. Doesn’t take much to inspire a reason for either of us to shop. She went and found a really cute St. Patty’s Day capris & tee outfit. (Someone else liked the capris, too. Perfect example of how to build a “whole” look, not just one item…..) #hownotowearluckyleggins #NOTsoluckyleggings

What & what NOT to wear……

This is Going to Get Good

On our way to Hot Springs she called to let them know when we would be arriving, got directions of where we were to meet and get VIP passes. While, on the phone, she asked if I could ride on the float, too. Yep, you guessed it Yoda made his debut in the First EVER 15th Annual Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

When we arrived we went to the depot picked up VIP passes and headed to the hospitality suite for food & drinks. Thanks Local Arkansas for “Tee’’s & Tasty’s”, Bryan did a great job! After a little body fuel and refreshing; the sun was beginning to fade, time to find our way back to the float! What a trip that was!!!

On our way we were able to meet some our fellow parade participants:

Amanda Moore, David Parsons, Trina Welch, Cari Brady, Lonette Welch

Matt – Riser Dodge, Float Winners – Amanda Moore & Lonette Welch, guest – Trina Welch

I was a pleasure getting to know our fellow winners & float mates! Amanda & David knew how to light the night up, beautiful people.

Parade Party **Winners** – Lonette Welch, Amanda Moore, David Parsons

My favorite of the day would have to be the majestic Clydesdale Budweiser Horses. They had been down at Oaklawn pulling the starting gate to the track this morning. They are so big and beautiful.

Clydesdale’s

Dallas Cowboy Cheeleaders

Time to land on our roost for the duration of the parade! Let’s get this party started. Joey Fatone was the Grand Marshall, but he was not the only center of attention the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders showed up. There ya go!!!

 Even More Fun

After the Sun Went Down

And we are out…..

Grand Funk Railroad then took the stage!

Ran low on beads, started throwing mine I brought & wore that were from Mardi Gras…..

It was a busy afternoon / evening. I do know that I would not have worked out yesterday morning near as much if I had known that I would walk 5.97 miles, go up and down stairs, climb on and off of a float all the while wrapping it up with a great big dance party with Morris Day & The Time.

All I can say is it was a great day. If you can arrange it, be in Arkansas on March 17th, then head on over to the Hot Water city and drink in the day. We had a blast!

Lean In,

Trina

Some of the photo credits go to Amanda Moore. Thanks for sharing!