Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Jaclyn Puccini was crowned Queen of the Columbus Day parade at a glittering pageant on Aug. 28 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison.
“‘Exciting’ doesn’t begin to describe the 2016 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 did a wonderful job as emcee.”
The panel of judges included current and former Cook County District Court justices Angela Petrone, Gregory Ginex and Gloria Coco.
Serving in the queen’s court were Bianca Antongiovanni, Iliana Caso, Rebecca Lucania Hernandez and Angelica Panzarino. Crowning the queen was 2016 Parade Chairman Rocky Mosele.
In addition to the crown, Puccini 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. 10 on State Street in downtown Chicago.
