Being from Upshur County, my family has attended the East Texas Yamboree each and every year of my life (that's been quite a few years). This year will be no exception. This year we will be enjoying the Yamboree through the eyes of our youngest grandchild, Emmylou. This will be her first year to really understand and enjoy the lights, sounds and happenings of the Yamboree. She is nineteen months old and has become quite animated lately. After their home burned last January, they lived with us here for about three months until they could buy a home and get readjusted. Emmylou became quite the little farm girl. She loves the chickens, ducks and turkeys that were part of her everyday life for those three months. When we feed the chickens meal worms, she is right in there with us handing out worms. We also have Peafowl and she really has taken an interest in them lately. I mention all this to point out that I cannot wait to go with her to the Livestock Pavillion to see all the rabbits, goats, chickens, cows, and pigs. She will be "Emmylou in Wonderland"! I am not sure how many of you attend or even know of the Yamboree, but I assure you that if you are unfamiliar, you need to experience it at least once.
In addition to the Livestock Pavillion, there is an art contest, craft contest, canning contest, and I'm sure pie contests involving the famous Yams. Downtown is where the carnival part of the Yamboree is held, as well as the School Parade on Friday and the Queen's Parade on Saturday. These are also very enjoyable. Many girls from local schools are included as duchesses, and Ladies in Waiting in the Coronation of the Queen. The Queen is then presented on Saturday on her beautiful float in the parade.
If you are a fan of yams, then the Yamboree is the place to be to get all the yams you need. You can purchase jellies, jams, and other canned goods as well. There is also a craft show out at the Fairgrounds outside the exhibit building where the contests are held. This craft show has grown in size annually. We must not forget to mention the bandstand downtown where you can find all sorts of local talent playing all kinds of music. Normally there is a street dance in that area on Friday night. The famous Barn Dance is on Saturday night just off of the downtown area. Each year they have a great band.
If you haven't been to the East Texas Yamboree in Gilmer, Texas, it began yesterday and runs through this coming Saturday evening. Come on out and enjoy yourself. There is absolutely something for everyone at the Yamboree. You might even run into some folks you know!
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