89th Annual Yamboree

Autumn 2026

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.

As we look back at fond memories of the 88th annual East Texas Yamboree, we look forward to another great year. We are excited to bring a new experience to this year's Yamboree. We will offer new ways to register and engage with all of our rich offerings. We are pleased to announce that we will be accepting online registrations on the Festiviti App this year. Stay tuned as more information is forthcoming!

Activities for you and your family

Events & Attractions

Join in the fun! The carnival offers many rides and games. The livestock shows gives 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. And there's so much more to entertain you and your family!

Contests

Train now for the annual tater trot, where athletes compete a week before the main Yamboree events. Try your hand at the pie contest or decorated yam contest. And we have several other contests as well! See each page for entry forms and rules.

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.

Yam Cam & Livestock Cam

Etex Yam Cam This is where you can view live action during the 89th Annual Yamboree

Etex Livestock Cam This is where you can view livestock during the 89th Annual Yamboree

East Texas Yamboree

106 Buffalo Street
Gilmer, TX 75644
903 843-2413