As bikers, walkers and runners made their way around the Audubon Park path on the Sunday afternoon of March 4, over by the park's Newman Bandstand the Italian American Marching Club/St. Joseph Society Pre-Parade Party was in full swing.

Italian flags flew while young ladies -- maids -- danced the tarantella accompanied with music sung by Lena Prima and society President Peter Gilberti. The queen was at the center: Miss Giovanna Fay Cortello, daughter Ellen Giovengo Cortello and Darryl Cortello. After the dance, the queen, maids and on-lookers enjoyed Italian cookies, muffulettas and refreshments.