Gober, Texas -- As you would expect of one of the oldest counties in North Texas, Fannin County has a rich heritage of close-knit agricultural communities with traditional celebrations. One example would be the 146th Annual Leonard Picnic that is coming up July 9-11.

But another community recently gathered to enjoy great food and pleasant conversation at the annual Gober BBQ. Plants put down deep roots in this fertile blackland and so do families.

Working this soil can be challenging at times, though. Farmers used to joke that if you will stick to this blackland when it is dry, it will sure 'nuff stick to you when it's wet!

Gober was originally known as Grittersville (supposedly because of a steam grist mill) when it was established in the 1840s, but the name was changed in 1885 to honor a family named Gober that had built the town's first mill. According to the Texas State Historical Association, the population of Gober began to decline after it peaked at approximately 300 in the 1930s, but the heartbeat in this community is as strong as ever. Longtime residents and newcomers alike cherish the peaceful solitude of a rural lifestyle that is beginning to feel the squeeze of development.

Records document the Gober BBQ dating back to 1967, although it could have originated years earlier. The community barbecue appears to share a lot of common history with the Gober Community Club that was officially organized in 1966-67 with the Texas Community Improvement Program initiative. This initiative was co-sponsored by Texas Agricultural Extension Service of Texas A&M University and the electric utility companies operating in Texas.

Even though the Texas Community Improvement Program was discontinued, Gober Community Club continues to be an active organization with regular monthly potlucks and socials.

In addition to the Gober BBQ, other annual events include an Ice Cream Social and the Gober Fall Festival.
Funds raised from annual events help maintain the Gober Community Center.