COLUMBIA BASIN — Several Junior Misses from the Columbia Basin are competing in Pullman Aug. 4 for the title of Washington Junior Miss.

Mattawa resident Tara Bird, Moses Lake resident Courtney Earl, Royal City resident Amber Christensen, Lind resident Kayla Gardner and Ritzville resident Heather Hunt are among 18 Washington Junior Miss candidates.

"The Junior Misses will be judged in talent, self-expression and fitness during the Saturday program," said spokesperson Sue Hinz. "The seniors' scholarship was evaluated before the program, and each will meet individually for judge interviews before Saturday."

Program Co-chair Danielle Kallaher said this year is the 50th year of the Washington Junior Miss Scholarship Program. In celebration of the anniversary, junior misses from past competitions are visiting, including the winner of the first competition, Vivienne Marlett-Smith.

Marlett-Smith is going to speak with this year's competitors, Kallaher said.

"We're excited to celebrate 50 years and look forward to the next 50," she said.

Hinz said the 2007 Washington Junior Miss receives a scholarship of $3,500, first runner-up receives $1,250 and second runner-up receives $750.

Several additional scholarships are awarded during the program, she said.

Tickets for the program can be purchased at TicketsWest.com, by calling 1-800-325-SEAT or purchased at the door. They are $15.