Welcome
to
the
East
Texas
Yamboree
Since
1935
89th Annual Yamboree
October 14-17, 2026
What a Ride!
The East Texas Yamboree Association would like to thank everyone who participated in any capacity with making the 89th Yamboree so very special! It was historic in that we celebrate the 2nd time in 89 years that a female president is presiding, and also because we celebrate 250 years as a nation. It was just awe-inspiring to see the many patriotic-themed contests and parades this year! We also encourage our visitors to come back to Gilmer for Yulefest and other events in our fine community.
Highlights. As we progress into the yam postgame, we have and will be adding highlights in the coming days, so please browse around. Events tend to be added in the order that they completed. School Parade is currently being posted.
About the East Texas Yamboree
The East Texas Yamboree is one of the oldest continuous festivals in Texas, originating in 1935 to celebrate the Texas Centennial and honor Upshur County's sweet potato. The Yamboree in Gilmer spans from summer fireworks through the main autumn harvest festival. We look forward to your whole family having a great time at this East Texas classic.
Activities for you and your family
Events & Attractions
Join in the fun! The Queen's Coronation is a popular event every year. The Carnival offers many rides and games. The Livestock Shows give aspiring young ranchers the opportunity to showcase their hard work. The Gospel Stage is sure to lift your spirit. It's always fun to see what the School/Youth Parade will bring. On Saturday, the Queen's Parade follows. And there's so much more to entertain you and your family!
We have Outside Exhibits with vendors displaying their crafts and fair. Also we have Inside Exhibits, where many contests are out for display. The Bandstand, Street Dance and Barn Dance offer great music and dance. We have the All Service Club Luncheon and the Antique & Classic Car Show to boot. Truly something for everyone!
Contests
From Pre-K to youth to senior, we have contests for every member of your family! The Tater Trot kicks things off. Many contest offerings are available for viewing at the exhibits building; such as the Yam Pie Contest, Decorated Yam Contest, the new Cake Decorating Contest, Essay & Poetry Contest, Photography Contest, Art Contest, Yam Coloring Page, Home Canning Contest and Handmade Craft Show.
The Quilt Show is at the Redemption Worship Center, and the Floral Cup & Horticulture Show is at the Gilmer Civic Center. The Fiddlers' Contest is at the Bandstand every year.
Scholarships
The Yamboree and other local organizations give back to our community by offering scholarships to local students. The Queen & Lady-In-Waiting Scholarship, is a way to give back to young ladies who work so hard selling pageant vouchers, tickets, collect donations and more to compete to raise money to be our next queen. YES Scholarship offers a 5,000 award to empower a young Upshur County woman. The Board Scholarships for Upshur County Youth strive to provide our youth with the resources that will help them succeed. The Livestock Scholarships are for East Texas youth pursing a career in agricultural and mechanical fields
Schedule & Resources
89th Yamboree on Festiviti App
Festiviti is a brand new festival management, user engagement tool, created by Gilmer's own Wagner Software! It was popular with people looking to get around at the 89th Yamboree, and can be installed or used as a website.
89th Yamboree Printable Schedule & Map
2026 Yamboree Schedule of Events
Yam Taxi
2026 Yam Taxi Yam Taxi and Gilmer PD Safety Tips! Even though we have concluded activities for 2026, those safety tips are good general advice to have.
Special thanks to Ruel, who has been serving up amazing Yamboree photos for the past 20 years!
Yam Cam & Livestock Cam
Etex Yam Cam Check out the live action during the 89th Annual Yamboree!
Etex Livestock Cam Be sure to watch the livestock shows during the 89th Annual Yamboree!
Gilmer, TX 75644
903 843-2413
The East Texas Yamboree Association
is a non-profit 501.3c organization.