December 9, 2009

The 27th Annual Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection invites the Irish Community and friends to attend this year’s grand event. The 2010 Arizona Colleen wins a prize package including $1,000 in scholarships and a trip to Ireland. She serves as a key spokesperson at Irish area events throughout the State and will carry the dual title of Arizona Rose when she competes at the Regionals competition in June that leads to the 51st Annual Rose of Tralee International Festival in County Kerry in Ireland next August. The final nights of judging are televised and represent one of the most watched programs in the country. The International Rose of Tralee wins a year-long world tour.

This year’s judges include Natali Fierros-Bock, the 1994 Arizona Colleen, busy mother of two toddlers, entrepreneur, and local actress most recently seen in the Desert School Credit Union commercials; Tim Caufield, president of American Safety Shoe Co. and member of ERIN which is announcing this month its new identity as the Irish Chamber of Commerce; Joy Peck Grainger, 2002 Washington DC Rose who competed that year in Ireland, and City of Surprise Intergovernmental Relations Manager; Vicky Champion, Gaelic instructor at The Academy of Irish and Celtic Studies; and Declan Fox, Fox's Fine Home Design, and co-owner of the new Irish Wolfhound Pub in Surprise.

Highlights

The evening is full of multi-media entertainment; the presentation of the accomplished and amazing Colleen contestant finalists as they compete for the crown; full-course dinner, large dance floor, and lots of surprises. The 2010 Little Miss Shamrocks, Emilia Nallen (11), and Alexandria “Allee” Ellershaw (7), plus the soon-to-be-announced 2010 Arizona Irish Lass titleholders will all debut at the Colleen Selection. Former Colleens and dignitaries will be recognized as well as the 2010 Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, Sister Raphael Quinn, and the 2010 Irish Persons of the Year, Harry and Sandra Carroll. Live music provided by Traveler. Their sound is an innovative, new fusion of Celtic and World Music. The real magic of a Traveler show is the high energy, passionate performance that draws the audience in.

Sponsorships Available

Our programs continue to thrive because of the generosity of our sponsors. We are creatively expanding efforts to cross-market with local businesses and organizations to maximize public relations for both. Let us know if there are opportunities for our Irish titleholders to make appearances at special activities at Irish-owned companies, or events that have an Irish topic, or Irish composer or playwright, as examples. Fundamental to the ongoing budget are the Tiara Sponsors with $350 and the Rose Sponsors with $400 each, or Heritage Partners for $175. There are a variety of other ways to make donations such as contributing tickets to a museum, live theatre show, or a fun occasion for the silent auction or raffle or as part of the prize package for the Colleen and 1st and 2nd Runners Up.

Purchase Tickets In-Person or On-Line

Pricing is $45 for a delicious full-course dinner (vegetarian available); $25 for children’s menu; $25 for salad and dessert only option. All are served a fabulous dessert of almond infusion white cake, a signature confection of Piece of Cake bakery. Tickets are available at the Irish Cultural Center, O’Connor’s Pub, and other locations TBA. Soon the web site at www.azcolleen.org will offer PayPal to purchase tickets and make donations with credit or debit cards, or with on-line checks. All tickets must be purchased in advance by February 15. Event ONLY tickets (no food provided) are available at the door. For more information about the Colleen Programs, contact Ann Niemann at 602-568-3455 or e-mail at ann@azcolleen.org. For more information about The Rose of Tralee International Festival, visit www.roseoftralee.ie.