One gerbil and several dogs were entered in the annual Fandangle Pet Parade last week at the Bank Park and all of the participants went home with a prize and/or a participation treat.

The exhibitors led, carried, and/or drove the pets down the sidewalk and past the judges on Friday afternoon, and winners were awarded in each of the seven divisions.

“We had somewhere between 10-15 pets,” said organizer Rylie Scott. “It was a pretty good turnout for the Pet Parade. This year the animal entries were all dogs except for one gerbil.”

The sun will set at 8:49 p.m. and the waning crescent moon won’t rise until after 2:00 a.m. this Saturday night, July 7, so the staff at the Fort Griffin State Historical Site plans to take advantage of the dark skies by hosting a Stars & Skies of Texas star gazing party.

The state historic site also has events planned for daytime hours.

Stars & Skies of Texas

Local volunteer firefighters were called out Sunday afternoon to battle yet another grass fire started by lightning, this time eight miles north of Albany on CR 109.

The firefighters are also trying to stay hydrated in light of the extreme heat and are asking for donations of water and sports drinks.  

Sunday Fire

“Ernie Bernstein actually saw the lightning hit,” said Shackelford County Rural VFD chief Brad Henry. “We were called out about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.”

The Feed Store held a Fourth of July party on Monday, July 2, as planned but, according to youth minister Levi Herron, the non-denominational youth ministry had to reschedule the Aztec movie event. 

“The Fourth of July party was a really big hit, and we had 20 to 25 students that came out to enjoy hot dogs, chips, watermelon, and games, including gaga in the new pit that McLennan Jones made for us,” Herron said. “But the movie night we had planned for July 7 had to be postponed until August because of a scheduling conflict at the Aztec.”

Jeff and Ricia Pleasant of Albany are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming wedding of their son, Ryan Jeffrey Pleasant to Georgi Dee Hannah, daughter of Don and Melanie Hannah and Mindy Hannah all of Kansas City, Missouri.

Ryan is the grandson of Gerald and Ruby Petree of Albany and the late James and Dorothy Pleasant. 

The Albany Ministerial Alliance supported community-wide Vacation Bible School invites students from pre-K to sixth grade to come to Friendship Baptist Church from 9:30-11:45 a.m. on July 16 to July 20 to gear up for life’s big game.

The VBS theme for this year is Game On!

“We will have Bible study, crafts, games, missions, music, and snacks,” said church member Tanya Petree. “The Bible verse that the lessons will focus on this year is 2 Peter 1:3.”

Cookies and a drink will be provided by members of various local congregations.

Albany High School was among the top 10 Class 2A schools in the state in vying for the University Interscholastic League Lone Star Cup for the 2017-18 school year.

Albany earned 42 points to tie for ninth place with six other schools this year. 

Last year Albany earned 44 points and tied for ninth place, and in 2015-2016 tied for seventh place at 47 tallies.

Ethan and Malia Edington were married at sunset on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Horseshoe Bay.

The bride is the daughter of Scott and Nikki Golding and Jackie Kesterson. Her grandparents are June and Gene Kesterson.

The groom’s parents are Eddie and Deneen Edington. Grandparents  are Billie (Mimi) Patterson and Martha Zenkner.

Lonnie Lehrman, uncle of the bride, performed the ceremony.

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The Texas Forts Trail Board met in Albany at the Aztec Theater last week for a regular meeting of the regional branch of the Texas Historical Commission.

“We have board meetings several times a year,” said board vice president Ramby Anderson. “But this was the first time in at least two years that we hosted the event in Albany. Mary Beth (Jones) joined us because there were Chamber representatives from other areas, and it was a good chance for her to get to meet them.”

Most Fandangle outfits have already been returned, and Myra Hise asks anyone that still has their Fandangle costume to turn it in as soon as possible.

“I was surprised at how many are already back,” Hise said. “But if anyone finds that they still have hats, vests, pants, slips, dresses, or anything, please leave them at the Fandangle office in the Depot, or contact me.”

Hise said that she washed costumes all weekend, and is still working on running all of the clothes through the washer and dryer.