The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival named the 46th Regina Maria at their annual spring gala Saturday in Clarksburg. This year the honor goes to Farmington native and singer Franchesca Rose Aloi. The ceremony began with the introduction of the minor, junior, and senior courts along with the maids of honor. Last year’s Reginia Maria passed the torch to Franchesca as she addressed the audience.

“My family’s roots are planted deep in the southern soil of Italy, Calabria, and Sicily,” Aloi said. “Generation after generation my ancestors journeyed to America with hope in their hearts and faith in their hands. They settled in Marion County, West Virginia. Many of them finding home in the small coal town of Farmington where I proudly live today.”