Poland princesses

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Arianna shows off her crown, sash and trophy after winning princess honors at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival July 23.

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Brianna (right) helps sister Arianna celebrate her moment in the spotlight after the event.

Seven-year-old Brianna DiFabio, of Poland, is her little sister’s biggest fan. So when the former princess of the Our Lady of Carmel Italian Festival started getting too much attention, she made sure the focus got shifted to where it belonged.

“At this year’s contest, Brianna wore her crown and sash to give the trophies and gifts away and after the contest, people were congratulating her because they didn’t see the contest and thought she was the new winner,” explained her mom, Shelly Winebold-DiFabio.

“Brianna felt badly that people were congratulating her and not Arianna [her sister], so she took off her crown and sash and told me to put it away because it was Arianna’s time, not her’s. She said it was Arianna’s time to shine.”

Arianna, 5, followed in her big sister’s footsteps by winning the crown at the festival’s 2010 Little Prince and Princess contest July 22. The soon-to-be kindergartner at Poland Union wore an outfit made by her mom with all the Italian flag’s colors. Her headband was made by her aunt, Elvera Cole.

In the competition, she answered questions and sang a song from the Barney show, changing the words to reflect an Italian theme.

During the questioning portion of the competition, when asked what her favorite food was, she answered, “macaroni’s with sauce.”

Both girls entered the contest in 2009. Brianna won after singing “You Get The Best Of Both Worlds” by Hannah Montana. Brianna will be in second grade at Poland Union.

With two princesses already in the house, there might be a third on the way. Little sister, Julianna, is 21‚Ñ2 and can’t wait until she can be in the contest.

She’s already practicing by trying on her sisters’ crowns.

“I just felt great because I didn’t know she would ever win this. I am so happy she won. It just felt exciting,” said Brianna.

Their father, Bob, is a lifelong Poland resident.