The illustrious tradition continues! Each year, dedicated young women of Irish decent within the Greater Springfield area, aspire to represent their city and heritage in the esteemed Springfield Colleen Contest. This year, the Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is modernizing the application process to ensure every eligible woman of Irish heritage has the chance to shine.
For 2024, applicants can conveniently apply online, broadening the spectrum of potential candidates from our vibrant Irish Community. However, those preferring traditional methods can still opt for paper mail-in applications.
Complete application information and eligibility can be found on the committee's website.
The application deadline is December 11, 2023: https://www.springfieldstpatricksparade.org/colleen-contest
Information Session:
Join us on 10/21/23 at the East Forest Park Public Library from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This informative session is open to both prospective applicants and their parents.
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: Paper application must be postmarked by 12/11/23. Online applicants have until midnight on 12/11/23 to submit applications.
Preliminaries: 01/06/2024 – Preliminary interviews 12:15 – 3:00PM at the East Forest Park Library
01/06/2024 – Contestants arrive 5:30 PM at John Boyle O’Reilly Club; judging to start at 6:00PM
Coronation Ball: 02/10/2024, Contestants arrive 4:30 PM; Ball - 7:00 PM at The Cedars, Springfield
More About the Contest:
During the Preliminaries, our esteemed panel of judges will interview the entrants. Five distinguished finalists will then vie for the revered title of Springfield Colleen at the Coronation Ball in February. This journey promises local recognition and tangible rewards such as Irish Wool Sweaters, Jewelry, and more. The chosen Colleen will receive a tiara and a trip to Ireland. As ambassadors of Springfield's Irish community, the Colleen and her Court will participate in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day parade - one of the largest in the nation - and partake in numerous events throughout the year.
Scholarship Opportunity:
All five finalists can apply for the Mossie and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship.
Questions?
For more information, contact Siobhan Cullen, Springfield St. Patrick's Day Committee President, at (413) 427-7121 or ssppc0317@gmail.com.
