East Texas Yamboree 2009

Last week was the annual East Texas Yamboree and it's a HUGE deal in these parts. The past 2 years we've gone to support the boyscouts in our ward. They have a food stand and the bank in town donates some of their land to the boyscouts to charge for parking the morning on the parade. This year we not only got to support the boyscouts, but also enjoy the festivities with an almost-2-year old. We had so much fun experiencing everything through her eyes. Thursday night we headed up to the Square where all the food and carnival rides were. We enjoyed hamburgers, fries, smoked turkey legs, and sausage-on-a-stick. Then we headed over to the kiddie rides. Most of the rides had a height requirement of 36" and Grace came up just a little short, but the car ride was pretty empty so the carnie let her go by herself. She was so excited and grinned from ear to ear the entire time. She rode that car around and around and turned the wheel the entire time

When the music ended and the ride stopped she threw her hands in the air and said, "YAAAYYY!"

Next we headed to the carousel where Justin rode with her. She had a a great time and kept saying, "Neigh" while riding the horse.

Saturday morning we headed out to see the parade. Grace loved it all. About every other parade entry was a school band so there was a lot of music and she clapped her hands and tapped her feet along with them the entire time.

She loved waving to all the people in the parade.

After the parade we ate lunch and headed over to the Yamboree grounds where they have the different booths, exhibits, and livestock. Grace loves all animals and to be that close to a real cow was thrilling for her. We stayed for the first part of the livestock auction and watched the bidding of the Grand Champion Steer. It was really neat to see all the support the community gives to the high school FFA programs.


After a much needed nap we headed back over to the food and rides. We let Grace ride the cars one more time and the photo above is of her waiting very patiently for her turn. After that Justin was recruited to help in the boyscout's food stand, so Grace and I got some roasted corn on the cob and nachos and then headed home. We had a great time at the Yamboree and look forward to it again next year.