The annual Warren Italian American Festival is set to dazzle once again with its vibrant celebrations of Italian heritage, and this year promises to be extra special with its lineup of youth pageants. Scheduled for Thursday, August 8th, the Miss Italian (ages 14-19) and Jr. Miss Italian (ages 8-13) pageant will showcase young talents from the community, highlighting grace, charm, and a connection to their Italian roots.
Amanda Beagle, a dedicated organizer who has poured her heart into the event for years, continues to nurture and elevate these young contestants. Her commitment to celebrating Italian culture through these pageants has made them a beloved tradition in Warren and beyond.
“I am happy to help coordinate the pageants because it builds community and fosters leadership in our young people,” mentions Ms. Beagle.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. On Saturday, August 10th at 3pm, the festival will host the Tiny King/Queen Pageant for ages 4 to 5, and the Tiny Prince/Princess Pageant for ages 6 to 7. These adorable competitions add a touch of enchantment to the festivities, showcasing the charisma of the youngest participants. This year, the event has shared duties, with Natalie Allison and Angela Toro as the new co-coordinators for the Tiny King and Queen pageants.
The Warren Italian American Festival has grown significantly over the years, becoming a cornerstone of summer entertainment in the region. Families flock to the event not only to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and lively entertainment but also to cheer on the next generation of community leaders and ambassadors of Italian heritage.
Amanda went on to say, “Community events like this one help us to remember where our families come from and their inspiring stories of perseverance and determination as they immigrated to the United States.”
The pageants are right around the corner and not only celebrate beauty and talent but also foster a sense of pride and belonging among participants and attendees alike. They provide a platform for children to shine and embrace their cultural identity, all while creating lasting memories with their families and friends.
Contestants must be able to trace Italian in their lineage. The deadline to enter is July 10th. Applications may be downloaded from the festa website at www.warrenitalianfestival.com.
Contact Info for interested contestants:
Miss Italian/Jr Miss Italian coordinator, Amanda Beagle at wiafpageants@gmail.com.
Tiny King and Queen/Prince and Princess coordinators Natalie Allison and Angela Toro at wiaftinypageants@gmail.com
