I Yam What I Yam

For those of you unfamiliar with Milina's roots, she is from a little community (not big enough to be a town) in East Texas named Kelsey. Now Kelsey has population of o' say 150, and that is when the neighbors are throwing a big party. She actually tells people she is from Gilmer which in it own right is not a big town but it is the biggest town for 20 miles and it does have a Walmart. Gilmer just happens to be the Yam capital of Texas, yes yams, you know a sweet potato.
Every 3rd weekend in October Gilmer worships the yams by throwing the yearly Yamboree, cute huh. It is a spectale to see including a parade that features none other than the Yam Queen (see pics) in all her royalty. There are lesser celebrities from every little town within a 30-50 mile radius including princesses, dutchesses, homecoming sweethearts, mother's of the year, and lest we forget Yambo, Ree and Tater the clowns (see pics).
Some of my personal favorite events are the Saturday night street dance in the town square, the yam decorating contest (see pics they are hilarious), and the livestock auction where everything you thought you knew about the price of a rabbit, chicken, goat, pig, steer and cow will be challenged. Apparently the going rate for three bunnies is $2300, a goat $800, a chicken $1000, pig $600-900, a steer and or milk cow $1800-3000. It is of course for a good cause, so that an FFA student can go to A&M and study to be a vet.
The most memorable moments in Yamboree history are as follows. When Bobby, aka Billy Bob Joe Frank (as we like to call him) informed us he just aint' been the same since he got' blowed up. I would hate to see what he was like before. Every time we stop by the shoot the star out and the mini billiard table to see another person shell out who knows how much money only to be outsmarted by the Carnies, dang those carnies they'll get you every time.
So if you are ever in the area of Gilmer the 3rd weekend in October stop on by the bandstand and you will see Milina and I two-steppin' to the local country band. It truly is a nice weekend to go for a change of pace, to relax, enjoy the beautiful countryside, and of course eat some fine fair food.