COTTON GIN FESTIVAL

BURTON COTTON GIN FESTIVAL

by Steph Jarvis, Museum Director, Texas Cotton Gin Museum and Tynan Shadle, Programs Coordinator

Much 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, anBURTON, TEXAS | 18

tique farming and engine displays, and vintage cars are all wonderful parts of the day. Yet what lies at the heart of the festival--is the real reason the event started, the Burton Farmers Gin.

As the real “star” of the day, the gin and its power source, the 1925 Bessemer engine, are fired up to show their stuff and gin several bales of cotton. Visitors can tour the gin for several hours prior to ginning and visit with people running the engine, gin stands or the press boxes. This walk through the building and conversation with volunteers offers a truly special glimpse into history.

The Burton Cotton Gin Festival started 32 years ago with the goal of fundraising to preserve a Texas Historical gem. While it continues that original purpose, the Festival is most of all a day for people to gather, have fun, learn, and continue the history and tradition of the Burton Farmers Gin. We hope that you will join us sometime, and see for yourself what the Burton Cotton Gin Festival is all about!