2021 Yamboree Queen Hannah Jean Henson

Front Step: L-R, Mallory Kay Bowin, Abby Stewart (Yamboree President), Addison Jayne Young

Second Step: L-R, AnnMarie Perez-Dodd, Melanie Rose Aguilar

Third Step: L-R, Madeline Jane Winn, Mallory Morgan Tate, Marlee Denise Mauldin

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Rose Diane Dupree was born on July 21, 1936, in Gilmer, Texas to Jake and Ruth Dupree. As the only child of Jake and Ruth, she was the apple of their eyes. Diane loved athletics and the outdoors. She played football in the front yard with the boys in the neighborhood, always being the quarterback. She played baseball and tennis, and at the age of 14, she discovered true excitement in golf. She would play with her parents and other kids who were around.

Diane attended Gilmer schools while growing up. She was in the Gilmer Buckeye marching band, where she played trombone. Gilmer is home to the cherished tradition known as the East Texas Yamboree. It is a good-old fashioned small-town festival. It typically draws over 100,000 people to the small community. The annual four-day event is held each October to celebrate the yam cash crop. In 1953, Diane was selected to be Queen Yam XVI. She presided over the Queen’s coronation and the Queen’s parade and all the festivities during the Yamboree. The floats are built by Upshur County Schools. The float that wins First Place is the Queen’s Float in the parade on Saturday. Diane always loved this fabulous experience in her young life and being Queen Yam. She loved her East Texas roots.

Shows and Activities for the Entire Family

The East Texas Yamboree is a big family event where there is something for everyone to enjoy:

  • Barn Dance
  • Concerts (With Opening Acts and a Headline Band)
  • Livestock and Ag Mechanics Show
  • Photography Activities
  • Queen’s Coronation
  • The Queen’s Race (a Contest Where the Queen Is Determined)
  • Gospel Stage with the areas best in Gospel Music
  • Carnival and Midway Excitment on the County Square
  • Parades on Friday and Saturday for the Whole Family to Enjoy

KEEP UP WITH US

Don’t miss out on any updates or announcements! Click the link to see how our team is preparing for The East Texas Yamboree.

If you have more inquiries, feel free to contact our team in Gilmer, TX.

Images provided by photos by Ruel.