BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL by Steph Jarvis, Museum Director, Texas Cotton Gin Museum and Tynan Shadle, Programs Coordinator
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uch more than just a fun, local event, the Burton Cotton Gin Festival’s 32 year history is tightly intertwined with the survival of the Burton Farmers Gin itself. Prior to a museum, the gin sat vacant from its closure in 1974 until 1986. At that time, a group of dedicated volunteers formed a non-profit called Operation Restoration, Inc. with the specific goal of saving the gin from demolition. Once that purpose was achieved, the group, inspired by a challenge set by the Smithsonian Institute, began the process to restore the 1914 gin to working condition. As anyone involved with historic buildings knows, it requires significant funding to undertake a restoration project. So in April 1990 after long planning by ORI, the first Burton Cotton Gin Festival was held right next to the historic cotton gin. To this day, the festival continues. Through the years it has evolved in many ways-- and countless volunteers, and attendees have taken part in this wonderful celebration. Thanks to the festival and much needed funds it provided, a museum was opened in 1999. As of 2021, the museum proudly celebrates 22 years of preserving and sharing history with the public. Much like other small town festivals, a Main Street parade kicks things off and a variety of activities entertain and engage attendees throughout the day. Food, folklife demonstrations, kids activities, craft vendors, contests, live music, an-
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