Chicopee Prepares to Crown Next St. Patrick's Parade Colleen

Twelve contestants vie for the honor of representing the city at the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee of Chicopee, Massachusetts is preparing to name its next colleen to represent the city at the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade on March 22. Twelve contestants have submitted applications for the 2026 Chicopee Colleen Contest and will be welcomed at an Irish Tea, attend mandatory rehearsals, and be interviewed before the Coronation Ball on February 21 where the colleen and her court will be selected.

Why it matters

The annual selection of the Chicopee Colleen is a longstanding tradition that celebrates Irish heritage and community involvement. The colleen and her court serve as ambassadors for the city, participating in various events throughout the year and representing Chicopee at the high-profile Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade.

The details

The twelve 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. They will attend an Irish Tea, two mandatory rehearsals, and contestant interviews before the Coronation Ball, where the colleen and her court will be selected.

  • The Chicopee St. Patrick's Parade Committee will name its next colleen on February 21, 2026.
  • The 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade will take place on March 22, 2026.
  • An Irish Tea for the contestants was hosted on February 8, 2026.
  • The first mandatory rehearsal will take place on February 16, 2026.
  • Contestant interviews will occur on February 19, 2026.

The players

Chicopee St. Patrick's Parade Committee

The local committee responsible for organizing Chicopee's participation in the annual Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade.

Alivia Mendes

A newer member of the Chicopee St. Patrick's Day Committee who helps with the colleen and court selection process. Mendes was a member of the Colleen Court in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Personally, I am super excited about the Coronation Ball. 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.”

— Alivia Mendes, Chicopee St. Patrick's Day Committee Member (Reminder Publishing)

“The experience offers so many benefits, from building confidence and public speaking skills to forming lasting friendships and becoming more involved in the community. 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.”

— Alivia Mendes, Chicopee St. Patrick's Day Committee Member (Reminder Publishing)

“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.”

— Alivia Mendes, Chicopee St. Patrick's Day Committee Member (Reminder Publishing)

What’s next

The colleen and her court will be officially crowned at the Coronation Ball on February 21, 2026. The selected colleen will then represent Chicopee at the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade on March 22, 2026.

The takeaway

The annual selection of the Chicopee Colleen is a cherished tradition that celebrates the city's Irish heritage and community spirit. The colleen and her court serve as ambassadors, fostering civic pride and involvement among the younger generation.