Parades and Picnics

Another busy weekend! My day started at the 20th annual Staten Island Columbus Day Parade in New Dorp. This is my third year participating in the parade as a titleholder. However, I have been dancing down New Dorp Lane with several dance studios for a number of years. This parade means a lot to me because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate my Italian-American heritage. Shelley Jain, Miss Staten Island's Outstanding Teen 2010, joined me down the parade route. The parade was sponsored by Borough President James P. Molinaro and co-sponsored by Councilman James Oddo.

Congressman Michael McMahon

SI Live Photo

This was the first year that the SIPE (Staten Island Pride Events) was represented at the parade. Which brings me to my next appearance...the Coming Out Picnic in New Brighton. The LGBT Community hosts their annual picnic at the Unitarian Church. Once the parade was over, I headed straight to the picnic to join in on the festivities. Claire Buffie, Miss New York 2010, was one of the guest speakers. Her platform, "Straight for Equality:Let's Talk", focuses on the equality amongst youth, teens and adults. Jennifer Scacco (Miss Staten Island 2010), Jeoffrey Watson (Mr. New York) and members of the Miss New York Organization as well as the Miss Staten Island Organization were among the attendees.