Antonia Nicole Folio to serve as West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival's Queen Regina Maria

Saturday evening’s Gala started with a social hour, and then Weege Vargo gave the opening remarks as the master of ceremonies.

Bill Boyles, chairman of the festival board of directors, welcomed everyone in attendance.

Mary Frances Beto Smith sang the national anthem. The Italian national anthem was sung by Denise Roncone.

Gala Committee Chair Rose Mazza recognized and introduced previous Regina Marias who were in attendance.

Members of the Minor Court, Junior Court and Senior Court were announced too.

There were two Maids of Honor on hand; the other two were attending their high school proms.

The crown bearer, scepter bearer and three train bearers were introduced as well.

Then the newest Regina Maria, escorted by her father, was introduced.

Before the Gala, Folio spoke about what the honor means to her.

“Being named Regina Maria is really exciting. I’ve looked forward to festival weekend my entire life,” said Folio, the 22-year-old daughter of Nicole and Joe Folio.

“My Italian heritage has always been very important to me, especially pasta Sundays at the house. Being raised Italian has really been amazing, and the festival has had a huge impact on my life. Being able to be the sort of face of the festival is more than words can describe,” she said.

Folio is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at West Virginia University. She would like to work in a surgical unit.

“After doing that for a few years, I plan on going to train as a registered nurse anesthetist. It’s a two- to three-year training program, and I want that to be a part of my nursing degree,” said Folio, who is on schedule to earn her degree in December 2025.

Folio said the festival is special to her and her family.

“I have never missed an Italian Heritage Festival in my life, even before I could walk or talk,” she said. “My favorite part of the festival is having so many family members coming in and having fun and spending time together.

“Eating great food and dancing in the streets are other reasons why I love the festival so much. It’s hard to explain to my friends at college just how big a deal the festival is for me and everyone else who goes every year. When I bring them in, they finally get it and want to keep coming back.”

Folio said her mother was the first person she called after finding out she would be Regina Maria XLV.

“I was by myself when I found out, and I called my mom as soon as I hung up with the festival people and told her. We both were cheering, and we’re both so excited.

“Being Regina Maria is so surreal. I served on the Minor and Junior Courts, but now that I’m the queen of the festival, it just feels really good, and it took me awhile to get used to the idea of being the queen.”

Folio will represent the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival at various fairs and festivals this year. She plans on promoting the festival as much as possible.

“Going to other festivals promoting our festival is important because it spreads the word about just how much fun it is, and their royalty show up for our festival parade. I want to be a role model for little girls like I was, who are mesmerized by seeing the queen in her gorgeous red gown and crown. It’s important to represent everything the festival is about at all times,” Folio said.