Miss Italy in the World 1996 (English version)

Sunday, June 30th, in the Mississippi Lounge of the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, the Miss Italia in the World Contest took place. Clemente Migliaccio, present on behalf of America Oggi, the Italian daily newspaper, was the Master of Ceremonies. The contest, created and run by the Swiss-Italian Saverio Insalata, was very well organized and full of pleasant surprises. After the opening concert by the group “Le Onde”, with the talented voice of Valeria, the contestants were introduced. Needless to say, all of them were exceptionally beautiful young ladies. The judges probably had quite a few headaches before coming to a final decision! That it was a difficult decision it was confirmed by the fact that, instead of one winner, two were chosen. The evening was concluded by a concert of the renowned Riccardo Fogli and the announcement of the winners, who will go as finalists to Salsomaggiore Terme. I felt at this point that few words from the winners of the American portion of this contest and of its organizer would have been appropriate. The first one I approached was Arcangela Rago, who had arrived to this contest with the title of Miss Puglia USA 1996. (This prize had been sponsored by our magazine and the Circolo Culturale Di Mola). Previously she had carried the title of Miss Mola Chicago. In the midst of the confusion, surrounded by an army of relatives and friends from the Mola Foundation of Chicago, celebrating and congratulating her and each other, Arcangela seemed calm. Her face, though, was radiant and her captivating smile gave away her surprise and happiness. Idea: Arcangela, how do you feel about tonight? Arcangela Rago: It’s a very exciting experience. I didn’t expect... Everyone was so beautiful tonight, so I was shocked, but it was a very good shock. I am very happy and very proud. I am looking forward to go to Italy... The parents at this point embraced her and I was reabsorbed by the crowd of journalists and photographers, losing contact with Arcangela. I looked around for the other winner, Marisa Petroro, who is from Elizabeth, New Jersey. I found her in a smaller group. Her gestures were impregnated of the spontaneity and enthusiasm that characterizes her. I squeezed through the crowd and finally reached her. I asked her to be in a picture with Arcangela, Mr. Insalata and me, then shot the question. Idea: “How about you, Marisa? What is your reaction? Marisa Petroro: I think we marked a new time in our era. We are about to include two winners, that’s just great. I am going to have a blast in Italy and I will make Americans proud by representing them. At this point confusion abounded, with cameraman, photographers and contestants blending in a giant, centralized, disorderly conglomeration. Swallowed by this crowd, even Marisa disappeared. The encounter with Mr. Insalata was previously planned, so I spent few minutes taking pictures with the various groups and conversing with Mr. Fogli, who besides being an exceptional entertainer is a very pleasant, down to earth human being. At the appropriate time I approached Mr. Insalata and started my questions... Idea: Tonight we had a strange situation, that is, two winners with the same points. How did this happen? S.Insalata: It all started like this: I am the supervising controller of the judges; after casting my votes I realized that, not only the judges had voted exactly as I did, but we also had assigned the same number of points to two girls. The regulations state that in such a predicament, the vote of the head-judge would be worth double. At this point, though, he was also embarrassed... Who did he have to choose? Well, I said,let me cast the die. I took upon myself the responsibility to bring them both to Salsomaggiore. After all, it would have been a shame, in such a situation, to make only one win, also because the head-judge could not decide who to cast the vote for... Idea: We can safely say that it was a toss of a coin situation... S.Insalata: Yes, it was the toss of a coin, and any other decision would have been unfair... Idea: What is your reaction to the American environment, comparing it to other nations’ ? S.Insalata: I did not detect much difference. This is my tenth visit to the States, in the six years of life of this contest. Every time I come, I contact the Italian community and, used as I am to keep contacts with such communities, everything seems the same. I always feel comfortable around Italians, I feel home... Idea: Is there a message that you want to send to our readers? S.Insalata: As I wrote you in my most recent letter, which you previously confirmed of having received (the letter is published in the “Lettere al Direttore” section) I am a fan of your magazine...I like the contents and also the graphical presentation...L’Idea is a valid communication and educational tool. It’s a bridge that allows information to flow both ways between Italy and USA...I wish the best for the editorial staff and the readers... Idea: On our part, we hope to be present at the next Miss Italia in the World contest. It was a unique experience and we are looking forward to bring the next Miss Puglia...