The Chandelier Room at Casa Italia was transformed into a Milan runway for this year’s Columbus Day Queen Pageant, and event organizers couldn’t be more pleased. “It was like a Versace fashion show!” enthuses Jo Ann Serpico, executive director of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. “We had 22 contestants, the room looked absolutely beautiful and the event went off without a hitch!”

Serpico is equally proud of the fact that no admission was charged, paving the way for a capacity crowd of nearly 200 family members and friends. Elizabeth Cavalieri Konopacki walked away with the crown, and Elisabetta Bifero, Jenna Marie Panega, Gabriella Rago and Marissa Raimonde emerged from a crowded field to serve as her court. Serpico showered praise upon the more than 30 volunteers who worked hand-in-hand to stage one of the most successful pageants in recent memory.