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.

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