(MSC News)- Thirteen area girls are vying this year to be crowned as the 99^th annual Hiawatha Halloween Queen.

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

The Halloween Queen, 1st Runner Up and Miss Congeniality will be announced and crowned before the evening parade on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

The Queen will receive a $750 scholarship, sponsored by Rainbow Communications. 1^st Runner Up will receive a $500 scholarship and Miss Congeniality will receive a $200 scholarship from the Zenith Chapter of Eastern Star.

The candidates for this year's contest include:

Miss Baileyville: Abby Olberding, a senior at B&B High School.

Miss Bendena: Samantha Albers, a senior at Doniphan West High School.

Miss Everest: Kristen Jensen, a senior at Horton High School.

Miss Goff: Shania Davis, a senior at Nemaha Valley High School.

Miss Hiawatha: Katelyn Boyer, a senior at Hiawatha High School.

Miss Horton: Katelynn Shayne Hoobler, a senior at Horton High School.

Miss Lancaster: Allison Becker, a senior at Horton High School.

Miss Muscotah: Megan Hamilton, a senior at Atchison County Community Junior-Senior High School.

Miss Rossville: Hailey Dick, a senior at Rossville High School

Miss Sabetha: Kelli Stallbaumer, a senior at Sabetha High School.

Miss Seneca: Michaela Stallbaumer, a senior at Nemaha Valley High School.

Miss Tonganoxie: Jessica Rubio, a senior at Tonganoxie High.

Miss Valley Falls: Faith Wildeman, a senior at Valley Falls High School.