Two queens will be crowned at the first ever Ed Phillips Memorial Rodeo Queen Contest –– a junior queen, ages eight to 13 and a queen, ages 14 to 19.

Carson's Sports Grille and Def Jam D.J. Service are sponsors of the queen contest at 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17, at Carson's Sports Grille in downtown Maryville.

All girls, ages eight to 19, are eligible to enter. Contestants will be judged on ticket sales, community involvement, western costume, impromptu questions and appearance and presentation.

Entry forms need to in no later than Friday, July 25, and can be obtained at Accent Printing, 114 East Third St., in Maryville, or by contacting Christina Phillips at (660) 582-2678 or (660) 541-4572.

Phillips said having more people involved and attending the 14-year rodeo event is  why they wanted to have a queen contest.

"The rodeo is for everyone to come and enjoy," she said. "We thought maybe people would come enjoy the rodeo when they know a girl that is involved in the queen contest. We are hoping more people will take interest in the rodeo."

"We are also wanting to give girls who haven't been involved in any type of queen contest to have that opportunity," Phillips continued. "We hope they will be fun for them.

Food and drinks will be available at Carson's Sports Grille for the event and anyone interested is invited to attend.

The annual Ed Phillips Memorial Rodeo will be at 8 p.m., on Aug. 22 and 23 at the Ed Phillips Memorial Arena west of Maryville.