With Columbus Day next Monday, Oct. 9, many Italian-Americans across the Bay Area are planning to celebrate with the annual Italian Heritage Parade, Sunday, Oct. 8, which starts in Fisherman’s Wharf and travels up Columbus Avenue in North Beach–San Francisco’s historically Italian neighborhood. As the floats travel through the streets and people are out in celebration, Amador Valley High School graduate Skye Tallone will preside over the activities as the Columbus Day Queen.
Tallone, 18, was given the royal honor last October after her 101-year-old uncle Pete Tallone encouraged her to run. The Columbus Day Queen is chosen from 17 Italian clubs in the Bay Area. Over the course of the year, the queen attends many Italian-American events, promoting the culture and a positive image of Italian-Americans, as well as helping the clubs raise money for different charities. Tallone and her family are part of the Fratellanza Club out of Oakland.
Presiding over the parade is one of Tallone’s last acts as queen. Her term officially ends Oct. 22 when she crowns the new queen.
Pleasanton has a knack for turning out Columbus Day Queens. Tallone’s predecessor, Katrina Clovis, is also an Amador graduate and member of Fratellanza.
Tallone resides in Pleasanton and currently attends Ohlone College where she is pursuing her dreams of becoming a filmmaker, actress and writer. She works for the Livermore Film Commission and also volunteers at Eden Villa Elderly Care home.
–Rebecca Guyon
