Welcome
to
the
East
Texas
Yamboree
Since
1935
Starting:
89th Annual Yamboree
October 14-17, 2026
Come join in the fun!
Welcome! The East Texas Yamboree is upon us, and we couldn't be more excited! We cordially invite you to participate in the many fun activities we have to offer over the next several days. We will be adding more information to this website and app to keep you up to date on all the happenings! If you need assistance, please contact us.
The Tator Trot is Saturday! Best wishes to all runners. Come on out and cheer them on!
A special thank you to our Sponsors and Catalog Supporters, without whom the Yamboree would not be possible.
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 and 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 Annual Yamboree Schedule
2026 Yamboree Schedule of Events
89th Annual Yamboree on Festiviti App
The Festiviti App is brand new installable app, created by Gilmer's own Wagner Software! The Yamboree listing contains an interactive schedule where you can save favorites, find venues of attractions & contests on the map, get notified of news and other updates and more. More features are released regularly. It's a handy tool to have as you enjoy the 89th Yamboree!
Yam Taxi
2026 Yam Taxi details are now available! Find your way around the Yamboree with the help of the Yam Taxi!
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.