Contestants sought for Rose of Tralee contest

It's been 25 years since a Carmel for Girls High School student from Libertyville represented the Chicago land area in Ireland in the International Rose of Tralee contest.

To mark her 25th anniversary, Michele McCormack is calling on all Lake County ladies of Irish descent to apply to be the Midwest Rose of Tralee. This is the first time ever in the contest's history that the winner will wear a sash that says "Midwest" instead of "Chicago."

"It's a gesture of inclusiveness," McCormack, who is now a news anchor in Milwaukee, said. "And that's the sentiment you don't have to be Irish to appreciate".

The deadline to apply is Saturday, Jan. 31. There is no cost. If you clear the application process a sponsor will be found for you for the contest during the Southside Irish Festival in Chicago this March.

"There is no bathing suit," Tralee committee member Mary Kay Marmo emphasizes. "We're looking for a girl with personality. And if you are lucky enough to be the Midwest Rose of Tralee you get an all-expenses-paid V.I.P. tour of Ireland in June when you will compete against women of Irish descent from all over the world."

For more information go to RoseofTralee.com or ChicagoRoseofTralee.com.