Chicopee – The Chicopee St. Patrick’s Parade Committee recently had its kickoff meeting at the Rumbleseat Bar & Grill to plan for the 2015 season.   The Committee promotes Irish pride and culture through its many events, including the Colleen Contest and Coronation Ball, which is open to all young women ages 17 to 20 who reside in the city of Chicopee.  In June, the committee awarded eight scholarships to young women who plan to further their education at a college or university.

Activities that are being planned for the upcoming season include the annual President’s Dinner; Irish Family Night; and the Woods Award Reception.  A Shamrock Sale is also being held as a fundraiser for the committee.  Persons who would like to show their Irish pride and support by having a shamrock painted on their driveway or walkway are invited to contact Kathy Sliwa at (413) 364-9262 or Maria Sliwa at (413) 531-4880.   Prices are $35 for a 24-inch Shamrock and $75 for a 48-inch Shamrock.  Proceeds are used to support parade committee scholarships.

Applications for the 2015 Colleen Contest will be available on the committee’s website by mid-to late December.  The Colleen Contest and Coronation Ball is scheduled for February 28, 2015 at the Castle of Knights.   The chosen Colleen and her Court will join the Chicopee contingent for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 22, 2015.

The Committee meets from October through May, and new members are always welcome.   “I am looking forward to a great year as we reach out to more members of the greater Chicopee community to attend and become involved with our many events.  We have a dedicated team but we are always looking for new committee members and new business sponsors,” states 2015 President Robert Liswell.   “We have many subcommittees where people can get involved, from building the Colleen’s parade float, helping with the Colleen contestants’ traditional Irish Tea, or assisting with logistics on parade day.”

Anyone interested in joining can send an e-mail to BLISWELL@charter.net, or MLiswell@charter.net .  Information on all events, as well as Colleen Contest applications, will be posted on the committee’s website at http://www.chicopeespc.com/ over the coming months.