Y'all Wanna Celebrate a Sweet Spud? Head to the East Texas Yamboree!
Ever heard of a festival dedicated to a delicious orange vegetable that some folks mistakenly call a yam (it's a sweet potato, y'all)? Well, welcome to the wacky and wonderful world of the East Texas Yamboree!
This isn't your average state fair with greasy funnel cakes and prize pigs (although they have those too). This is a four-day extravaganza held every October in Gilmer, Texas, that celebrates the sweet potato in all its glory.
Why the Sweet Potato, You Ask?
Well, buckle up, because we're about to take a trip down a hole filled with...well, not exactly potatoes, but history! Back in the day, sweet potatoes were king (or should we say, queen?) in Upshur County, Texas. They were a major cash crop, bringing in big bucks for local farmers. But then, disaster struck! A weevil infestation in the late 1920s threatened the sweet potato's reign. Thankfully, a quarantine lifted just in time for the Texas Centennial celebration in 1935.
To mark this sweet (potato) occasion, Upshur County decided to throw a festival. And guess what? It was a smash hit! People came from miles around to celebrate the return of the mighty yam (sorry, sweet potato). The festival was so popular, they decided to make it an annual thing. Except for a brief hiatus during World War II and a more recent one in 2020 (thanks, COVID), the Yamboree has been spud-tacularly entertaining folks ever since.
So, What Goes Down at the Yamboree?
Get ready for a heaping helping of fun! Here's a taste of what you can expect:
- The Queen's Coronation: Witness a pageant where young ladies compete for the coveted title of Yamboree Queen. Think tiaras, dazzling smiles, and maybe even a talent involving sweet potato sculpting (who knows?).
- The Tater Trot: Need to burn off some pre-festival indulgence? This 5K run/walk is the perfect way to do it. Just don't trip over any rogue sweet potatoes that might have escaped the judging table.
- Carnival Capers: Feeling nostalgic? Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, win a giant stuffed yam (because why not?), and indulge in all the classic midway treats.
- Barnyard Boogie: Get your boots scootin' at the famous Yamboree Barn Dance. Live music, line dancing, and maybe even a chance to two-step with a friendly farmer? Howdy partner!
- Pageantry of Plenty: Witness livestock shows, agricultural contests, and oogle at the biggest, most beautiful sweet potatoes you've ever seen. Maybe even snag a blue ribbon (or a sweet potato ribbon?) for your prize-winning pie recipe in the baking contest.
But Wait, There's More!
The Yamboree is also brimming with parades, live music shows, gospel sing-alongs, and enough good ol' fashioned Texas hospitality to warm your heart (and fill your belly).
So, if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable fall festival experience, mark your calendars for the East Texas Yamboree! Just remember, it's not a costume party, so leave your sweet potato suit at home (unless you want to win "Most Enthusiastic Yamboree Fan").
