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SANDS TWP. -- As the cowboys gear up for the Great Lakes Rodeo events at the Marquette County Fairgrounds, another competition is also underway.

Several beauty queens are competing for the title Great Lakes Rodeo Queen and Princess 2012. And while cowboys and cowgirls part take in several events, like team penning, the ladies will be getting to know the crowd and helping out with different events. 

But it takes more than smiles to win this competition. The ladies say they have to do their homework on the rodeo.

"Know a lot about the rodeo--they need to know their stuff so that they can represent the rodeo properly because after they win the title, they have to go around to other rodeos and represent the Great Lakes Rodeo," said Georgie Dohl, a contestant.

One lucky contestant will be crowned on Sunday.