SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee held their annual Colleen Preliminary Contest on Saturday. Every year young women from the Greater Springfield region compete for an opportunity to represent the city of Springfield as either the Colleen, or a member of the court. The day began with the interview portion of the contest at the Springfield Elks lodge. "It's definitely embracing your Irish heritage and being strong but still humble," expressed Caitlyn Feeley, Member of the Colleen Committee, and a former Colleen. "And, being someone that younger kids will be able to look up to." The evening portion of the preliminary around begins around 7 p.m., where five finalists will be picked to represent the Springfield Colleen Court. One of the five finalists will be crowned Springfield Colleen at the Coronation Ball on Saturday, February 8. Local News Headlines Local tax experts share tips on how to prepare for tax season St. Patrick’s Day Parade season ramps up with preliminary Colleen contest in Springfield Tips on staying warm and saving money as colder weather hits the region Springfield police seeks help locating 13-year-old girl WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.