Gilmer, Texas – The East Texas Yamboree announced that Janice Gage will serve as the festival’s 89th president, becoming only the second woman to hold the role in the event’s 86‑year history. Gage follows Abby Stewart, who broke the gender barrier in 2023 as the first female president.
Leadership rooted in tradition and family
Gage, a longtime board member with 19 years of service, said her experience and her role as mother of last year’s queen, Mia Gage, give her a unique perspective on the festival’s future. “It gives you lots of opportunities to see where there can be good change,” she explained.
Stewart, the 86th president, reflected on the significance of women leading the Yamboree. “For 86 years we had nothing but men, and I do think it’s exciting to see a woman in the leadership of that,” she said. Both women emphasized that female leadership brings a collaborative approach, noting, “We get more done as women.”
Community impact and record fundraising
The 89th Annual East Texas Yamboree begins Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, and this year’s queen’s court has raised around $950,000 – the highest amount ever recorded for the festival. The funds support local scholarships, community projects, and the continuation of the Yamboree’s charitable mission.
Gage described her path to the presidency as a blend of perseverance and hard work. “I put on my boxing gloves and got in there and worked hard,” she said, adding that she feels deserving of the position after years of dedication.
Addressing questions and preserving tradition
When asked about the logistics of crowning the queen, Stewart recounted a skeptical comment from a resident: “How’s this gonna work? How are you gonna crown the queen?” Stewart responded with confidence, noting that the ceremony will follow the same traditions, with the president wearing a dress rather than a tuxedo.
Both presidents highlighted the importance of encouraging more women to step into leadership roles within the Yamboree and the broader community. “Now to just help other women get this position,” Gage said, while Stewart added, “The girls are finally getting their turn.”
Looking ahead
As the festival launches, organizers anticipate a strong turnout from families across East Texas. The event, originally founded as a celebration for the Yamboree queen, continues to evolve, reflecting both its historic roots and the growing influence of women leaders.
Community members are invited to attend the festivities, support the fundraising efforts, and celebrate the milestone of female leadership at one of East Texas’s most beloved traditions.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
