Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Gabriella Gariti was crowned queen of the 2026 Columbus Day Parade at a glittering pageant on July 29 at the Des Plaines Theatre. Sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, the event was chaired by Rose Mary Ranallo, president of the JCCIA Women’s Division, and emceed by Ron Onesti, president of the JCCIA.
Excitement radiated from family members, friends, community leaders and other attendees, and the young women were perfect examples of confidence, courage and leadership. “You are all winners tonight,” Onesti assured them. “We are grateful to each of you.”
A graduate of St. Francis High School and the University of Arizona, Gariti serves as a property manager at Gariti Properties while remaining actively involved in her community through organizations such as Feed My Starving Children, the Northern Illinois Food Bank and her local parish. Gariti is studying Italian and is deeply committed to preserving her family’s language and traditions for future generations.
This year’s queen runner-up is Enrica Uhlen, and the members of the queen’s court are: Anna Andriano, Annabella Angarone, Robyn Brenizer, Anna Buescher, Isabella Burke, Teresa Campobasso, Victoria Cianci, Maya Miceli, Anna Muellner, Mia Pasco, Sienna Passo, Alexa Paterniti, Stephanie Pecoraro, Giada Roti and Gabriella Greco-Scott.
