For the third time since the International Festival’s inception 51 years ago, the reigning queen is also a member of the festival’s spotlight nationality. At the Lorain International Association Princess Pageant Thursday night, 17-year-old Madison Maniaci was named queen after representing her Italian heritage.

“My grandfather is probably crying right now and my mom has to be on the floor somewhere,” the Lorain resident and Magnificat High School senior said. “It’s so much more special this year with the Italians being the spotlight nationality as well.”