BURTON CELEBRATES COMMUNITY’S HISTORY AT COTTON GIN FESTIVAL

  

Burton drew thousands of visitors on Saturday for the 36^th Annual Cotton Gin Festival.

Burton Cotton Gin Museum Director Steph Jarvis says their clicker count estimates that over 4,000 people came out to enjoy a parade, shop at vendors, listen to live entertainment, take historic tours and participate in many other activities. 

Jarvis says many people make the festival a yearly destination, catching up with old friends and experiencing a day in the country. 

This year’s event was special in that it also served as the 100^th birthday celebration for the “Lady B” engine that powers the gin.  Festivities included birthday cake and honoring those who have helped maintain the engine and keep it running. 

Jarvis says the 1914 Burton Cotton Gin is an integral part of the community, and the Cotton Gin Festival highlights its role in the town’s history.

Jarvis thanks all of the volunteers who assisted in organizing the event and contributing to its success.

In 2009, the gin was designated as the Official Cotton Gin Museum of Texas.  It is also a Texas Historic Landmark, has been named by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Engineering Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.