Who will be crowned this year’s queen?

One of the most thrilling and glamorous events in the Chicago-area Italian-American community is the contest to determine who will reign as La Bella Regina of the Columbus Day Parade.

“Few events in the community can match the pageantry of the annual Columbus Day Queen pageant,” says JCCIA Executive Director Jo Ann Serpico. “The queen will be the star of the Italian community for a year’s reign.”

Sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, this year’s pageant will be held at 1 p.m. on Aug. 6 at the Des Plaines Theatre. The event will be chaired by Rose Mary Ranallo, John Galluzzi and Pasquale Gianni, with Pat Capriati serving as master of ceremonies.

Last year’s queen, Sofia Console, will end her reign at the pageant when she passes the crown to the next Bella Regina.

Contestants must be between the ages of 17 and 23, single and never married, of Italian descent and live in the Chicago area.

In addition to the crown, the winner of the contest will receive a prize package that includes $2,000. The first runner-up will receive a prize package that includes $500.

Every participant will receive a gift and be automatically selected as member of the queen’s court at the Columbus Day Parade. This year’s parade is slated for Oct. 9 on State Street between Lake and Van Buren streets in downtown Chicago.

“We encourage all eligible young ladies to participate in this most proud display of our heritage,” Serpico says. “Nothing speaks louder than your presence.”

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