Thousands descended on Adamsville Sunday afternoon for the fourth running of what's become a beloved tradition, the World's Shortest St. Paddy's Day parade.

It was a day of extremes, big and small: There was a gigantic 90-foot balloon dragon that breathed smoke and shot confetti out at the crowd. A massive armwrestler — Monster Mike — who came  all the way from Hot Springs, Arkansas  to support his city's second longest parade but ended up making untold numbers of new friends. And what has to be the smallest float to ever participate in any parade, a tiny remote control pickup truck that zipped down the 89-foot route.

After it was all over, hundreds gathered in a huge tent out back to feast on corned beef and cabbage, drink Guinness and listen to three Irish and sea shanty bands.

More tomorrow and in this week's edition of the Sakonnet Times. For now, Happy St. Patrick's Day!