The Columbus Day Queen Contest has a new lease on life thanks to the Avanti Group. Sponsored for decades by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, the pageant was put on hold last year due to the pandemic. “We thought it was important to keep the tradition going, and the JCCIA was grateful for the assist,” says Pasquale Gianni, president of the recently formed young professionals branch of the JCCIA.

Women between the ages of 18 and 25 who are single, never married and of at least 50 percent Italian heritage are encouraged to enter. The deadline is July 26. In addition to the crown, the winner of the contest will walk away with $1,000 in cash, while the six members of her court will receive $200 each and all participants will receive a gift.