Most of the evaluation to decide who will be crowned Le Sueur County's next Miss Shamrock came through candidate interviews in the confines of the Le Center Legion Club basement on Saturday afternoon.
But afterward, on the floor above, Olivia Shoulder (left) and Mariah McCabe (right) performed before the judges and a packed hall during the contest’s talent show. The CHS seniors were among the quartet vying to reign over this weekend’s Le Center St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
“The talent contest isn’t as important as the rest of it, but we’re looking for somebody who has put some time into it,” said Ken Odenthal, one of three who judged the competition. “If something is funny, they can laugh about themselves. It’s more about their personality shining through.”
Choosing the best fit for Miss Shamrock and runners-up Miss Leprechaun and Miss Irish Rose is never a cakewalk, but this year it will be as difficult as ever, said Odenthal.
“They are really good candidates all the way around.”
Odenthal, who first judged the contest back in 2014 and is the only male among the three judges, said they are looking for girls who are more than Irish for a day. They want to make sure the candidates—who must have at least one ancestor from Ireland—know their heritage and make it a part of their lives all year round.
“We want to know what counties their ancestors come from and how far back. We want someone who really embodies their Irish heritage.”
For the talent contest, McCabe relayed her family’s Irish traditions, including showing a quilt sewn by her grandmother Rita McCabe, while projecting photos on a screen. She followed up by reading the bedtime story “Goodnight Ireland” to kids who flocked to the stage.
Older sister Julia McCabe was the 2019 Miss Shamrock while two years later, older sister Halle McCabe was the Miss Leprechaun. Despite the anxiety that every candidate feels as she takes the stage, McCabe wanted to maintain the ritual.
“All my sisters so far have done it, and it was very important to my grandmother and grandfather (the late Emmet) McCabe that we keep this tradition. I was nervous at first, but just doing it, I am so happy.”
With her mother Jess Shouler accompanying her on the keyboard, Shouler bridged the Atlantic between The Republic of Ireland and the US when she sang “A Soldier’s Song” and the “Star Spangled Banner,” their respective country's national anthems.
Shouler does not have family members who have competed in the contest, but her mom, Jessica David at the time, was crowned the 1996-97 Miss Czech-Slovak USA Queen.
“I wanted to go out of my comfort zone. I know I can sing, but I wanted to try performing for the first time.”
The first Le Center St. Patrick’s Day contest took place in 1984. To participate, girls must be 17 to 21 years old, attend high school or a post-secondary school and be of Irish ancestry. They must also reside in Le Sueur County, or their parents, grandparents or applicant must be members of Le Center’s American Legion Post 108.
Earning the top crown means $3000 in scholarship money. Runner-up (Miss Leprechaun) gets a $2000 scholarship, and third-place winner (Miss Irish Rose) takes home a $1000 scholarship. There is also a $1000 John Gregory O’Connell Memorial Scholarship, which can be awarded to any of the girls. Participants receive $200.
Miss Shamrock and her court also represent Le Center’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration and their Irish heritage at Southern Minnesota events: parades and the like at area towns.
Also competing in the contest are Lauren Jacobsen of St. Peter High School and Morgan Fredrickson of Tri-City United High School. Also judging the contest were Pat Kane, who has been judging since 2009, and Joan Larson, who has been judging since 2011.
Crowning of Miss Shamrock, Miss Leprechaun and Miss Irish Rose will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Le Center American Legion Club.
Mariah McCabe’s niece Greaylen, age 2, wandered up to her as she was reading kids a bedtime story. McCabe rolled with it. “I just let her be. She was having fun.”
“In Erin’s cause, come woe or weal. Mid cannons” roar and rifles peel. We’ll chant a soldier’s song.” Olivia Shouler sang the Republic of Ireland’s National Anthem.
Junior escort Molly McMillen leads Olivia Shouler to the stage.
Junior escort Brynn Smith guides Mariah McCabe to the stage.
Constructing a family tree—on display in the Legion's hallway—was part of the contest. This is Mariah McCabe’s.
Olivia Shouler’s family tree.
The Legion Club hall was packed for the talent contest.
Judges Joan Larson, Ken Odenthal and Pat Kane.
Posing with Mariah McCabe and Olivia Shouler are classmates Chloe Anderson and Greta Hahn.