Colleens and their courts gather ahead of Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade

We are two weeks away from the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade. And 22 News reporter Kaylee Thomas joins us live with an event honoring the Colleens and their courts as they prepare for the big day. Christina, tonight's gathering was special, allowing the community to connect with the faces behind the parade's cherished tradition. Colleens and their courts from six cities, Holyoke, Aguam, Chicopee, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield gathered at the Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke, sharing a love of Irish dance, music and heritage. It's just so incredible because most of these girls I probably wouldn't have met otherwise. Just seeing everyone in one room, even though we're all from different towns, is really great. For many of these young women, becoming a Colleen is a childhood dream come true. This means a lot to me because I've been going to these events ever since I was a little kid. And my aunt was a West Springfield Colleen of 1995, so it's always been a big dream. With the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade just weeks away, the Colleens and their courts are more ready than ever. The past few weeks have been spent preparing for the parade. Yesterday we got the opportunity to get a little sneak peek of our float. And what's really cool is how our court gets the opportunity to help build it. But most Colleens and their courts are keeping their floats a surprise until parade day. And leading up to the big day, Colleens have also been actively involved within their communities. Just getting to know, you know, more faces, bond with people in the community, make new connections that I didn't have before. And they are all eager to head down the streets of Holyoke on March 22nd to share their joy, pride and Irish roots with the entire community. I know a lot of my family and friends are going and they're like, oh, wave to me. And so I'm just excited to see everything and I just think it's going to be really fun. I can't wait to see our community line the streets of Holyoke. And you will be able to watch every step of the parade right here on 22 News. Working for you, Kaylee Thomas, 22 News.