GILMER, Texas — The 86th annual East Texas Yamboree kicked off in Gilmer Wednesday night.
The celebration includes a list of events, a carnival and even a magical coronation of their newest queen.
It’s a huge festivity not just for the city of Gilmer but also for other surrounding areas in Upshur County.
The event has several rides and food vendors at the carnival where many local school district booster clubs also sold food to raise funds for the festival. Gilmer resident Serenity Lovelace said although she's young, she looks forward to visiting the carnival every year.
"What's the one thing I always want to do?" Lovelace said. "Try new foods and go on this one ride I really love."
Gilmer resident and high school student Yomiya Hopkins said every year she and her friends gather at the carnival to spend some time together outside of class. She said the history of the East Texas Yamboree is rich alongside the history of the city and that she hopes they continue to celebrate every year.
"We try to keep it alive as much as possible," Hopkins said. "We try to keep it the same because of the memories, all of my family grew up here so it's just been a really important part of our lives. We really look forward to it every year."
History was made this year as the East Texas Yamboree officially named the first woman president of the event. Abigail Elaine Stewart was crowned the 16th queen of the festival in 1997. She said having gone through this experience herself has helped her make a closer connection to this year’s court.
"I have a special bond with these girls that I think other presidents, although they bond with their courts, they've never quite had the same opportunity," Stewart said.
The court is an important part of the annual Yamboree's coronation, this year's queen is Addison Jayne Young. The coronation took place Wednesday and Thursday night at the Gilmer Civic Center. There were multiple dance numbers, the recognition of last year’s queen, and the introduction of this year’s court.
The celebration isn't over quite yet. Stewart said there is still more to come as the Yamboree will continue all weekend long.
"Come out and see what the Yamboree is all about," Stewart said. "I mean, we have the livestock show and so much going on. So even if the carnival is not for you, there is something to entertain everybody."
The school and youth parade will take place Friday evening starting at starting at 11 a.m. where all Upshur County schools and other youth groups will march starting on Titus Street.
The quilt show will continue all weekend long at the Redemption Worship Center.
The Queen's Parade will take place this Saturday in Downtown Gilmer starting at 11 a.m. Organizers said you expect beautiful floats, marching bands, antique cars, and more.
The Fiddler's Contest will take place on the south side of the courthouse square on Saturday at 1 p.m. It will be followed by the Barn Dance at the Yamboree Event Center, 181 Bob Glaze Drive, starting at 7 p.m. and admission is $30 at the door.