The 77th East Texas Yamboree Kicks Off Wednesday [PHOTOS]

The 77th Annual East Texas Yamboree kicks off on Wednesday. The fall festival celebrates all things sweet potatoes with a pageant, parade and more.

This years festivities include a carnival, coronation, ball, parade and that's just the glamorous activities.

Local students and community members also participate in livestock, photography and food contests. There is also a Barn Dance featuring country music artist Brandon Rhyder.

For a complete list of events in this year's Yamboree visit Yamboree.com.

Many years ago when I was a senior at White Oak High School, I was invited to participate in the event. Young ladies from surrounding schools are asked each year to attend as a visiting Duchess.

They are invited to participate in the coronation pageant and enjoy their own float in the Saturday parade, where I was photoed hamming it up.

Before participating as Duchess my senior year, I had marched in the Yamboree parade each fall with both the middle school and high school bands. In 2002, I returned as a part of the Kilgore College Ranger Band performing alongside the Rangerettes.

One of the highlights of the festival for me is the High School Marching Band competition. This year's contest will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Buckeye Stadium in Gilmer. Students will perform their contest routines with the hopes of earning a superior rating. While entertaining the crowd, they will also compete for honors such as Outstanding Band (in each class,) Outstanding Drum Major, and Best Majorette Line.