Much work and preparation goes into being a Stampede Queen contestant and no one knows this better than the four girls vying for the 2012 Williams Lake Stampede Queen and Princess.
After spending one day a week with Toastmasters of Williams Lake since February each girl presented their own unique speech.
Volunteering at the museum, touring the Tourism Discovery Centre, visiting city hall, and learning about the Cariboo and its rich history provided the contestants with information for their written exam.
Following that the girls completed their personal interviews with a panel of seven community judges.
Modelling was a new component to the process this year with the contestants modelling at the latest spring fashion show put on at the Royal Canadian Legion.
As they head into the final month of the competition, they can focus on their horsemanship skills and knowledge.
The horsemanship portion of their competition will be held at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds on June 14, starting at 5 p.m.
The public is invited to come out and watch.
The coronation will be held in the Gibraltar Room on June 23.
Tickets for the coronation will be available for purchase at the Stampede office or from any of the contestants by the beginning of June.