Miss Rhode Island Italia has expanded its age categories for the 2014 competition and is conducting a search to find contestants of Italian descent who would like to be the next appointed state queens who will also participate in the annual Columbus Day Parade on Historic Federal Hill in October.

The pageant is open to the following categories: Little Miss Italia (age 7-11), Miss Pre-Teen Italia (age 12-14), Miss Teen Italia (age 15-17), Miss Italia (age 25 and up) and Mrs. Italia who has to have been married at least six months with no age requirement. The competition is based on application and photos and will be judged by a committee. There is no stage or event competition at this time; deadline for applications is March 1 and the winners will hold reign for one year.

Winners will receive a beautiful crown and banner, official photo shoot for press releases and newspapers, gift certificates from participating restaurants and sponsors, convertible car and driver provided for the Columbus Day Parade and an opportunity to make appearances and photo opportunities for the remainder of the year.

The requirements are contestants must be of Italian descent by birth or ancestry, U.S. resident for at least six months, should be outgoing and friendly with a respectable reputation, and be available for the Columbus Day Parade in October. Winners will be announced at an Official Crowning Reception to be announced.

There is a $35 entry fee, which covers the costs of the crowns and banners. Interested contestants must email Coordinator Pat Paolino Cruz at Patpaolinocruz@gmail.com as soon as possible with the deadline looming.