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Princess Jaici Katherine Pilcher rides a float as the Queen’s Parade makes its way through downtown Gilmer during the 82nd East Texas Yamboree. Photo by Michael Cavazos

If you are looking for a location away from the busy hustle and bustle of the big city, consider Gilmer. It is in the heart of Northeast Texas, 20 miles north of Longview and 40 miles northeast of Tyler.

The Gilmer Municipal Airport, also known as Fox Stephens Field, houses the Flight of the Phoenix Aviation Museum. The airport is used by local businesses and has helped attract new industry to the area.

Lake Gilmer opened in 2001 and is located on FM 852, four miles west of downtown Gilmer. The lake is 1,010 surface acres and is stocked with Florida largemouth bass, black crappie and channel catfish. An additional l ,557 acres of property has been developed into Kelsey Creek Sanctuary Nature Trails.The picnic area is ideal for gatherings with covered cookout spaces, picnic tables, fishing pier and swings for the children.

The East Texas Yamboree, the second oldest continuous festival in Texas, was established in 1935 and has grown from a local event to one that draws a crowd from around Texas and surrounding states. Each October, the four-day festival draws an estimated crowd of 100,000 visitors, who enjoy parades, Yamboree Queen coronations, a carnival, a barn dance, a fiddle contest, a gospel stage, exhibits, livestock shows and a sale, a marching band contest, and more.

Visit Yamboree.com, gilmerareachamber.com or email upchamber@aol.com to find out more.

The Gilmer Civic Center is a premier event center in East Texas, with approximately 25,000 square feet, featuring a beautiful foyer, a 5500 square-feet banquet room, concession area and a 424-seat auditorium with full stage, sound system, dressing rooms and loading dock. Seating can accommodate up to 1,100 people.

The civic center can host concerts, proms, private parties, weddings, banquets, conventions, car shows, quincenearas, wrestling matches, fundraisers, outside events and so much more. It has hosted world class concerts such as Miranda Lambert and Ray Price.

For more information, (903) 797-8888, or see gilmer-tx.com and click on the civic center tab. The civic center also has a Facebook page.