Marilyn Monroe look-alike contest being held tonight in Palm Springs

Twenty contestants — including adults, children,pets and professional entertainers — will compete in a Marilyn Monroe look-alike contest at the Monroe statue in Palm Springs today.

The free event starts at 7 p.m. at the “Forever Marilyn” statue atTahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Drive. Categories include pets, under 16,over 16, drag and performers.

Seven judges will score contestants on attire, presentation,personality, audience response and overall look and feel, and prizes will begiven in each category. Contestants in the performer category must sing or lipsynca Marilyn Monroe song.

Before the contest, there will be appearances by local Monroeimpersonator Cat Lyn Day and actress Trina Parks, who played Thumper in the1971 James Bond movie “Diamonds Are Forever.”

The 26-foot-tall “Forever Marilyn” is based on a photograph by BrunoBernard taken during the 1955 filming of “The Seven Year Itch” and will be inPalm Springs until mid November.