The Arizona Colleen Program began as the Arizona Colleen Pageant, a heritage pageant, in 1983. It is open to single women of Irish ancestry ages of 18 through 28 years old. The winner serves as "Queen" of the Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire.

In 2008, programs were added for younger ladies of Irish descent. The Little Miss Shamrock program selects two 6-12 year olds, and the Arizona Outstanding Irish Teen program, retitled the Arizona Irish Lass program in 2010 selects one-two 13-17 year olds.

The Colleen and Rose programs are organized by the Phoenix St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire committee. The Arizona Colleen program seeks to connect not only the Arizona Irish community, but the global Irish diaspora through events and awareness.