Gilmer, Texas – The East Texas Yamboree, now in its 90th year, is once again proving to be a vital economic engine for the small‑town community. Organizers estimate that the three‑day festival will inject roughly $945,000 into the local economy, a figure that includes vendor sales, increased patronage at restaurants and temporary employment opportunities.
Historical roots and modern impact
The first Yamboree was held in 1935 after a quarantine on sweet‑potato crops was lifted following a weevil infestation. Community leaders seized the moment to celebrate the new harvest, and the tradition has grown into a regional attraction that draws thousands of visitors to Gilmer’s historic square each October.
Local businesses feel the lift
Ruth Emory, owner of Ruthy’s Art Bar, says the festival is a lifeline. “It brings in so many people. There are some folks I only see once a year, and that is during the Yamboree,” she explained. During the three‑day event, her bar typically serves about 4,000 drinks, and Emory works an average of 96 hours during Yam Week. “The volume of people and the preparation it takes to get this running smoothly is astronomical; it really sets me up for the whole year,” she added.
For six consecutive Yamborees, Emory has opened her doors to festival‑goers, noting that without the boost, staying in business would be “hard.” Vendors echo the sentiment. Debbie Monts, a longtime vendor of homemade baked goods, has been part of the Yamboree for 16 years. “The Yamboree supports a lot of people,” Monts said, adding that she has earned more than $10,000 in just three days during past festivals. “This is my biggest show ever,” she declared.
Temporary jobs and community pride
Yamboree President Janice Gage highlighted the event’s role in creating short‑term employment. Positions such as parking attendants and golf‑cart taxi drivers are filled for the weekend, giving residents a chance to earn extra income. Gage also emphasized the festival’s promotional value: “It gives us an opportunity to show people the hidden treasure we have here and they can fall in love with this place.”
Visitors travel from near and far
Many attendees come from outside the immediate area, drawn by the promise of sweet‑potato pies, carnival rides and the chance to reconnect with their hometown roots. “I just think it’s important to remember where you come from,” said Lockie Thomas, who traveled from Ennis to attend. “It’s important to give back to the people that work hard in your community and feed back to the community that raised you.”
Looking ahead
The Yamboree will conclude Saturday at midnight, but preparations are already underway for next year’s 90th celebration. Organizers hope to continue the tradition of supporting local entrepreneurs, creating temporary jobs and showcasing Gilmer’s unique heritage to a broader audience.
As Gilmer’s businesses anticipate the next wave of visitors, the Yamboree remains a shining example of how a community‑focused festival can drive economic growth while reinforcing the town’s cultural identity.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
