DATE: NOVEMBER 23, 2025
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Dan Hampton, the College and Pro Football Hall of Famer who starred with the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Chicago Bears, will be a special guest celebrity March 17, 2026, for the First Ever 23rd Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parace® in downtown Hot Springs.
Nicknamed “Danimal” for his ferocious style of play, Hampton exemplified toughness and perseverance throughout his football career in college and the pros. He endured 10 knee surgeries and numerous other injuries while remaining one of the game’s most dedicated players.
Hampton played for the Razorbacks from 1975 through 1978 and was an All-American his senior year.
In 1980, Hampton led the Chicago Bears in sacks with 11.5 and recorded 73 tackles, the most by any Bears lineman that season. His performance earned him the first of four Pro Bowl selections, recognition as the NFC Defensive Most Valuable Player, and a place on his first All-Pro team.
Though injuries limited him in 1983, Hampton still managed to notch five sacks in just 11 games. His career reached its peak during the Bears’ legendary 1985 Super Bowl season, but he continued to play at an elite level until his retirement in 1990. At that point, he became only the second player in Bears history to play in three different decades.
Following his 2002 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Hampton also married his wife, Gina. Together they have a son, and Hampton also has a stepson and a daughter. Beyond football, Hampton has been actively involved in charity events and golf tournaments, raising funds for organizations supporting children and those who serve our country.
Today, Hampton remains a familiar presence in Chicago. He serves as a spokesperson for Chevrolet as well as the Better Business Bureau of Chicago, he co-hosts the nationally syndicated “Pro Football Weekly” television show and entertains fans with his popular “Hamp & OB Show” on WGN Radio, providing pre- and post-game coverage of the Bears.
Hampton joins celebrity grand marshal Carmen Electra and official starter Matt Iseman for the 23rd edition of Hot Springs’ internationally acclaimed little parade on 98-foot Bridge Street, the World’s Shortest Street in Everyday Use, according to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.
By the way, Bridge Street has been permanently painted Kelly green to acknowledge the worldwide attention that the little parade has focused on Hot Springs for more than a quarter century.
The parade celebration will begin Tuesday evening, March 17. The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade® has brought worldwide attention to Hot Springs and helped expand the city’s reputation as a city that knows how to have fun.
It began in 2003 when Arrison and some friends sharing an adult beverage in an establishment adjacent to 98-foot Bridge Street came up with the idea of using the street as the location for some fun. Bridge Street was named by Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the world’s shortest street in everyday use. The parade swiftly gained attention around the globe for the hilarious premise that gave birth to its annual aura of spectacular hilarity. Upwards of 30,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Hot Springs for the 2026 parade.
It annually features a lineup of outrageous wackiness that includes a troupe of Marching Irish Elvis Impersonators, the World’s Largest Leprechaun, zany floats and marching units, plus a surprise or two.
For more information contact Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.