Back row, left to right: Mackenzie Bergstrom, Jaydda Reyes, Charlotte Fields, Beatrice Brown, Gracie Houldson. Front row, left to right: Isabel Carpenter, Gracelyn Jarry, Mila Dillard, Shannon Caloon, McKenzie Araujo, Zoey Piedra. Missing from photo: Jahzara Bradley.
Photo credit: Joel Rodowicz
CHICOPEE — In less than two weeks, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee of Chicopee will name its next colleen to represent the city at the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 22.
Twelve contestants submitted applications for the 2026 Chicopee Colleen Contest. They were recently welcomed at an Irish Tea recently where they learned about Irish culture and customs, as well as the competition process.
At press time, the contestants include Mackenzie Bergstrom, Jaydda Reyes, Charlotte Fields, Beatrice Brown, Gracie Houldson, Isabel Carpenter, Gracelyn Jarry, Mila Dillard, Shannon Caloon, McKenzie Araujo, Zoey Piedra and Jahzara Bradley.
The colleen and court will be selected at the Coronation Ball on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Portuguese American Club on 149 Exchange St.
Contestants are required to go to the Irish Tea, both rehearsal dates, and the Coronation Ball before a colleen is officially named.
An Irish tea, or “Get Acquainted Social,” was hosted on Feb. 8 at the Chicopee Portuguese American for all contestants.
The first mandatory rehearsal will take place on Monday, Feb. 16, from 2-5 p.m.
A parents’ information session will take place following the first rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 16, at 5:15 p.m.
Contestant Interviews will occur on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. A second mandatory rehearsal will be held on Friday, Feb. 20.
These events will lead up to the Coronation Ball on Feb. 21.
The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Chicopee noted that if you are selected to be on the court, it is a year-round committee, and you will be expected to attend multiple events throughout the year.
Alivia Mendes, one of the newer members of the Chicopee St. Patrick’s Day Committee who helps with the colleen and court, talked with Reminder Publishing about the upcoming event.
“Personally, I am super excited about the Coronation Ball,” Mendes stated. “It is by far one of my favorite events of the year. I love seeing all the families come out to support the girls and witnessing the pure joy on their faces.”
Mendes herself was a member of the Colleen Court in 2022. Because she has gone through the entire process, she offers a unique perspective as both a candidate and a mentor.
“The experience offers so many benefits, from building confidence and public speaking skills to forming lasting friendships and becoming more involved in the community,” she said. “My advice to anyone running is to just be yourself. Don’t let the nerves get to you, have fun and make the most of the experience.”
Mendes wished each contestant the best of luck, stating, “I feel like we have a really great group of girls this year. It’s a versatile group, and each candidate brings something unique and special.”
With the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade set to take place on Sunday, March 22, the countdown is on for each participating community committee to host events relating to green season.
Mendes shared her excitement for the time of year. “Kicking off the season with our first few events is always exciting,” she said. “It’s definitely a busy time for us, but it’s also a time we truly miss when it’s over.”
