Parades and red-white-and-blue patriotism underscored partying. And legions rallied.

It was a cold day for the queen and her cortege of 80 maids, but they warmed up to the celebration for the 43rd annual Italian American Marching Club St. Joseph Parade. They assembled at midday in the Piazza d'Italia for the pre-parade celebration and a chance to toast the queen, Miss Jordan Hailey Gilberti, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marc Antony Gilberti. Vying for plaudits was the tarantella and its performance by the 80 maids, who warmed up to the dancing.

The gallivanting picked up with the fast-paced Italian music and with hearty applause for queen Jordan and her court, whose parents and grandparents also were introduced.

Adding a record to the revelry was the showing of the World's Largest Pasta Dish. That feat and the fun and formality of the day made national news. Many tourists to the Crescent City came to see for themselves and attend the 43rd annual festivities.

Closer to home were Judge Anthony and Linda Russo, Earl St. Germain, Morris and Susan Vacarella, Michael Calderone, Ed and Ilene Catoire, Charles and Carolyn Imbornone, Peter Gilberti, George and Fay Cortello, Darryl Cortello, the Eric Christensens, Holly Javier, Logan Javier, Angie Vacarella, Paul Ferrara, Fred Holley, Donald Rouzano, Julie Haydel, Claude Maraldo, Joseph Cusimano, Mark and Norene Fonte, Kenny Licata, Sal Cerino, Sidney M. Cerami, and Armando A. Asaro, who answered to Caesar. (Readers will also remember that today marks the Ides of March, the day that Caesar met his demise at the Roman Senate in 44 B.C.)

But this Caesar lives in parade glory!

"I always wished for this day to come, " said queen Jordan about her monarchal moment following her role as a court maid for 14 years. She also thanked her parents, Marc Antony and Gena Maria Gilberti, and her grandparents, Louie and Rose Spadaro Gilberti, first generation to this country from Sicily, who taught Jordan "the importance and beliefs of living the Italian heritage" throughout her life.

Much of the chatter on a recent Thursday evening at the Irish House was about the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade tomorrow and the robust revelry that flows from it. Gathering members and friends to the St. Charles Avenue Irish House was the sponsoring World Affairs Council of New Orleans (WACNO), which seeks to increase the community's awareness of global issues. The bannering was PubNite, a signature WACNO event, that provides opportunities to discuss international issues in a relaxed atmosphere. Venues vary, but admission is always free.

More than 50 individuals hied to the hobnobbing to enjoy chef Matt Murphy's tasty appetizers and his general bonhomie. Musicians Grant Saucier and Iain Weigert added the right notes that kept toes tapping to Celtic-influenced blues.The evening closed with a brief overview of WACNO and a raffle to help the organization's free educational programs.

Noted were honorary Consul of Iceland Greg Beuerman, who said "the diverse membership (made) for stimulating and informative conversation, " and added, "I had a terrific time meeting new people, " as well as WACNO President Christopher Fettweis, Executive Director Flora Williams, Vice President John Hazlett with children Henry and Rye, Secretary Sheila M. Wilkinson with partner Phil Dodson, PubNite Co-Chairwoman Valerie McGinley Marshall, retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Wayde and Stephanie Benson, spouses Gunter Bischof and Melanie Boulet, Aaron Forbes, Brian Johnson, David and Marsha Johnson, Patrick Nedd, Alla Rosca and husband Edward Chervenak, Kevin Booher, Tracy Buccino with husband J.C. Berendzen, Mary Hicks and husband Scott Smith, Misean Read, and Mary Ellen Roy.

"Yankee Doodle Barbecue" titled the to-do at the Sourthern Yacht Club given by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge to raise money to send students to Valley Forge, Pa., for political leadership seminars. The lively invitation also stated "red, white & blue western" as the attire and told members and guests to bring "treasures that no longer work in your house" for the silent auction. Clever!

A brace of Uncle Sam figures holding red, white and blue balloons greeted guests at the door. To further the theme, the tables were topped with red and white cloths and blue napkins, and the centerpieces were large sparkling stars in patriotic colors. When folks sat to sup, they enjoyed pulled pork and barbecued chicken breasts, among other goodies, such as chocolate mousse served in martini glasses. Purveying the musical menu was pianist Armand St. Martin.

Headlining the Valley Forge festivity were committee chairwoman Amie Borne with Richard Seba, auction chairwoman Betty Trachtman with Louis, Betty and James Glancey, retired Air Force Col. Frank Arnemann with spouse Eileen Hofrichter, Don Davis with daughter Nan, Hank and Leda Sobon, Peggy and David Earl Simmons, Lynne and Sam Cashio, Winnie Delery and daughter Joyce, FFVF Vice President Alicia Ohlmeyer (who cut a rug with Jimmie Hines), Cathy and Irwin Langhoff, Louise and Gary Schaefer, Lou Lou and Borden Tidmore, and Tousa Davis for the decorations.

by Nell Nolan / The Times Picayune