Blog

Devarjay “DJ” Daniel visits Gilmer, TX

Wednesday, April 09, 2025

DJ was diagnosed with terminal brain and spine cancer when he was just 6 years old.Despite undergoing 13 surgeries, the Texas boy’s determination to become a police officer has never wavered. In 2019, he was first sworn in as an officer by the Brookshire Police Department in Texas.When he was initially given five months to live, he set a goal of being sworn in by 100 police departments.Since then, he has been sworn in by 926 police departments across the U.S. and beyond, including recently in Gilmer PD and other Upshur County (TX) Law enforcement.... Read More

Mural Unveiled

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Gilmer Area Chamber of Commerce unveils New Mural... Read More

87th East Texas Yamboree Queen Announced!

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Gilmer, Texas — Friday night was the announcement of the 87th East Texas Yamboree Queen, Katie Ella Henson and this year’s Princess is Taylor Campbell at Queen’s Announcement dinner held at the Silver Alley Event Center.This year’s Yam Queen is a student from from Harmony High School.This moment is a realization of Katie's long-time dream to be a part of a long Henson dynasty of Yamboree Royalty that started with 71st Yamboree Queen Stephanie Lynn Henson, 74th Yamboree Queen Drew Danielle Henson-Hill, 78th Yamboree Queen Jayce Savanna Finch Henson and 84th Yamboree Queen Hannah Jean Henson.The festival, which began in 1935, has been held annually with the exception of three year period during WWII and Covid 19 in 2020. Over one hundred thousand people attend the 4-day event in October.The Queen’s Coronation will be held at the Gilmer Civic Center on the night of October 16, 2024 and again on the night of October 17, 2024.... Read More

Gilmer Back on Top

Friday, May 03, 2024

Back to Back State Champs!... Read More

The Gilmer Buckeyes win State Title

Monday, December 18, 2023

The Gilmer Buckeyes win the Class 4A Division II state championship following a thrilling 28-26 victory over Bellville Brahmas who entered the game heavily favored. The Buckeyes were the underdog entering their final three games of the season, and each one ended with Gilmer holding a trophy at midfield. They defeated the #1 Carthage Bulldogs in Round 4 and defeated the Glen Rose Tigers int the Stae Semifinals in Prosper, The Buckeyes are celebrating the school’s fourth football state title and first since 2014 and coach Alan Metzels first State Title after 3 trips to At&t's State finals.... Read More

Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Addison Jayne of the House of Young

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Addison Jayne Young was crowned as the Queen of 86th East Texas Yamboree on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 by Madame President Abigail Stewart, the first female Yamboree president and the 60th East Texas Yamboree Queen (1997). The Queen is the daughter of Marty and Meghan Young. She graced the stage with a beautiful white gown bedazzled in gold. The letter “Y” is emblezoned on her matching train.Her court colors are black and gold. Addison will cary on the Family legacy of Yam Queens. She’s the niece of the 58th East Texas Yamboree Queen, Natalie Young (Gandy) 1995 and cousin of Audry Nolan, the 82nd East Texas Yamboree Queen. She’s representing the Bluebonnet Literary Club.The Queen’s coronation is one of the highlights the Yamboree festival which continues through Saturday night. A second Queen’s coronation performance will take place Thursday night.The formal presentation of the Queen’s court also featured the 85th Yamboree Queen Caroline Michelle Dean. She was escorted by the 2022 Yamboree President, Jordan Glaze. Princess Madison Winn, Duchess representing the Kiwanis Club was also presented along with the other ladies in waiting, their escorts, visiting duchesses, and children attendants to the Queen. New this year are the representatives of the different courts. The Court of. Light, Snow and Ice, Celebrations, Nature, Fire & Patriotism.... Read More

The 86th East Texas Yamboree catalog booklets are out!

Thursday, August 31, 2023

You know Yamboree is just right around the corner when you see the 9 x 4 catalog booklets all over businesses around town. Be sure to pick up a copy from any of the local businesses to see all the upcoming activities during the 86th East Texas Yamboree!... Read More

Congressman Nathaniel Moran Visits Gilmer

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Congressman Nathaniel Moran was the keynote speaker during the 175th Anniversary Celebration of Gilmer. Many Gilmer locals attended the event and some even dressed in an era appropriate costumes. Moran highlighted the event by encouraging everyone to not divorce from history but rather embrace it.The event also featured the tour of some of the historic buildings around the square. There were eight early settlers of Gilmer such as J.M. Marshall, Oran Roberts, Meshack Roberts, Emma Sansom, Sam Houston, Jesse Glasco, John L. Camp & Morgan Looney, that was portrayed by some of our local talents.... Read More

Addison Jayne Young - The 86th East Texas Yamboree Queen

Saturday, July 01, 2023

The East Texas Yamboree Association has announced the 86th East Texas Yamboree Queen: Addison (Addy) Jayne Young.Addy represents the Bluebonnet Literary Club. She attends Harmony High School where’s she’s ranked top 5% in her class, a member of National Honor Society, Student Council Harmony FFA, FCA, Varsity Volleyball and Track. Addison is a Universal Cheerleading Association All-American and Co-Head Cheerleader. She was a former pageant dancer and Queen’s court attendant. Addison Jayne is the daughter of Marty and Megan Young of Gilmer. Addison’s grandparents include the late Jimmy and Eilene Young and Dr. Glenn and Jane Hickey.Addison’s future includes a Veterinary Medicine degree while cheering at the University of Oklahoma. Addison’s family is 5th generation Gilmer which includes former Yamboree Queens Natalie (Young) Gandy (58th) and Audrey Nolan (82nd).... Read More

THE RACE IS ON!

Monday, June 19, 2023

The 86th East Texas Queen's Race has officiall begun! The race will last from June 19-30, 2023. L-R: AnnMarie Perez-Dodd is representing the Lion's Club, Marlee Denise Mauldin is representing Beta Sigma Phi, Addison Jayne Young Addison Jayne Young proudly represents The Bluebonnet Literacy Club, Mallory Morgan Tate is representing the Iris Garden Club, Mallory Kay Bowin is representing the Twentieth Century Club, Madeline Jane Winn is proudly representing the Kiwanis Club of Gilmer and Melanie Rose Aguilar is representing the Gilmer Rotary Club. Please show your support if you see these ladies out and about.... Read More

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