Two young women and one young man will be representing the Belle Plaine Irish community at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
On Sunday, March 7, the candidates, who are Belle Plaine High School juniors, went before a panel of judges to discuss their Irish ancestry, explain their community involvement, and show off their knowledge of the history of Ireland and Saint Patrick.
The Miss Shamrock Queen and Princess will be crowned at a private coronation ceremony on Saturday, March 13. This year there is only one Irish Lad escort who will accompany the Miss Shamrock contestants at the ceremony.
Emmett Fahey
Emmett Fahey, the son of Amy and Jeremy Fahey, is the only Irish Lad for 2021. Fahey said many of his cousins have been Irish Lads and Miss Shamrock contestants over the years and he wanted to continue the family tradition.
His favorite part of St. Patrick’s Day is “having fun and enjoying the celebration.”
His school activities involve cross country, skiing, track, and choir. His special interests are spending time outside, fishing, running, swimming, and hanging out with friends and family.
After he graduates from high school, Emmett plans to study at a tech school.
Elliana Fahey
Elliana Fahey, the daughter of Sara and Chris Fahey, is one of the 2021 Miss Shamrock contestants.
“Ever since I was a little girl, my family would come up here and celebrate. It was just one of my most fond memories of my childhood. I’ve been watching all of these girls run for this title and it meant a lot to me to be able to represent such a strong heritage,” she said.
At school, she is heavily involved in the arts. She participates in fall shows, One Act Plays, choir, MMEA, All-State mixed choir, band and drumline. She also is involved in the Minnesota Honors Society, Tiger Pals, student council, tennis, speech, and peer tutoring.
Her special interests include girl scouts, church choir, and mission trips.
Elliana has been accepted to attend Western College of Auctioneering in Montana, where she will receive training to become a professional auctioneer and bid-spotter. She will graduate from Belle Plaine High School in the spring of 2022. She plans to continue her education and wants to major in Cellular Biology and Genetics.
Bailey Bahr
Bailey Bahr is also a 2021 Miss Shamrock contestant. She is the daughter of Mary and Adrian Bahr.
Since she was a little kid, Bahr has wanted to be part of the Miss Shamrock competition.
“I’ve always been a part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and in the parade. I always looked up to the queen and princesses when I was younger and always wanted to do that, too,” she said.
Bahr said she loves learning about Irish history every year on St. Patrick’s Day.
“It’s a good community event that we all get to come to and celebrate our Irish Heritage,” she said.
At school Bailey is involved in track, cross country, and the fall dance team. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, and arts and crafts.
Bailey’s future plans involve attending the University of Minnesota Morris to study business.
Private Coronation Ceremony
The private, invitation only St. Patrick’s Day Coronation Program will take place after the vehicle procession, starting around 1:30 p.m. The program will be streaming live on the Belle Plaine St. Patrick’s Day Facebook page.
Copyright 2021 Belle Plaine Herald/Southwest News media/Media News Group.