Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Jessica Malpede was crowned Queen of the Columbus Day parade at a glittering pageant on Sept. 20 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison.
“‘Exciting’ doesn’t begin to describe the 2015 Columbus Day Queen Pageant,” JCCIA Executive Director Jo Ann Serpico says. “Enthusiasm radiated from the family members, friends and community leaders who attended, and the young women were perfect examples of confidence, courage and leadership.”
Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment chaired the event and served as master of ceremonies, and Marilyn Fredericks handled the choreography.
“Ron and Marilyn did a spectacular job of running this year’s pageant,” Serpico says. “Marilyn choreographed the contestants flawlessly and Ron put on a spectacular show.”
Among the highlights of the event were performances by tenors Franco Martorana and Simon Kjung Lee.
The panel of judges included Catherine Amari O’Dell, Giovanna Perricone and Victoria Martello.
Serving in the queen’s court are Angela Scavo Reynolds, Elizabeth Vilapiano Carroll and Vickie Pecora Haines.
In addition to the crown, Malpede walked away with $1,000 in cash plus other prizes. The queen and her court will appear at community events before and after the parade, which took place on Oct. 12 on State Street in downtown Chicago.
Coverage of the parade will appear in the January issue of Fra Noi.
