( KNZA )- Sixteen area girls are vying to be crowned as the 98th annual Hiawatha Halloween Queen this year.

The contest will take place Sunday at the Fisher Community Center.  Each contestant will present an essay and answer interview questions provided by area judges.

The Halloween Queen, 1st Runner Up, and Miss Congeniality will be announced and crowned before the evening parade on Wednesday, October 31st.

The Queen will receive a $500 scholarship, 1st Runner up will receive a $250 scholarship, and Miss Congeniality will receive a $150 scholarship.

The candidates include:

Miss Atchison: Reagan Maxwell, daughter of daughter of Pat and Jennifer Maxwell, is a senior at ACCHS

Miss Baileyville: Michelle Haug, daughter of John and Janell Haug, is a senior at B & B High School

Miss Elwood: Cori Otto, daughter of Alicia Otto and Kent Otto, is a senior at Riverside High School      

Miss Everest: Mikaela Lehew, daughter of Tim and Susan Lehew, is a senior at Horton High School

Miss Hiawatha: Maria Reyes, daughter of Melissa Woehler and Ruperto Reyes Jr., is a senior at Hiawatha High School

Miss Holton: Elizabeth Allen, daughter of Aaron and Erika Allen, is a senior at Holton High School

Miss Horton: Elizabeth Cairo, daughter of Michael and Roberta Cairo, is a senior at Horton High School.

Miss Morrill: Emma Kleopfer, daughter of Doug and Sarah Kleopfer, is a senior at Hiawatha High 

Miss Powhattan: Kacey Rieger, daughter of Bill and Lori Rieger, is a senior at Sabetha High School

Miss Rossville: Ramsey Miller, daughter of Deb Miller and Ross Miller, is  a senior at Rossville 

Miss Sabetha: Megan Peabody, daughter of Jim and Jeanne Stone, is a senior at Sabetha High School

Miss Seneca: Jessica Bramhall, daughter of Kerry and Kim Bramhall, and a senior at Nemaha Valley High School

Miss Severance: Aisha Diveley, daughter of Dean and Brenda Diveley, is a senior at Doniphan West High School

Miss Tonganoxie: Hunter Cook, daughter of Andy and Marcia Cook, is a senior at Tonganoxie High School

Miss Wathena: Emily Elder, daughter of Chris and Theresa Elder, is a senior at Riverside.