The Fort Griffin Fandangle opened its 87th season this past weekend to strong attendance, welcoming more than 1,500 guests over the course of its first two shows.An estimated 600 people filled the stands Friday night for opening night, followed by a crowd of approximately 900 on Saturday.

Main Street was lined with spectators on Saturday, June 21, as the annual Fort Griffin Fandangle Parade brought a colorful display of floats, riders, and music through downtown Albany. With 45 total entries, this year’s parade was one of the largest in recent memory.

Visitors and locals alike will be able to enjoy a variety of activities offered in Albany this weekend prior to the final two performances of the Fort Griffin Fandangle.

The Albany ISD board of trustees approved a series of pay increases during its regular meeting June 23, addressing administrative raises, support staff adjustments, and new legal requirements affecting board procedures.

Albany Junior/Senior High student-athletes remain active this summer with steady participation in conditioning programs and the conclusion of summer league competitions.The boys’ summer conditioning program continues Monday through Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m.

Albany’s 7-on-7 team will open pool play Thursday morning at the Division III State Tournament in College Station, returning to the event after missing out last summer.The Lions will compete in a four-team pool that includes Hico, Tidehaven, and Wolfe City.

Albany High School cheerleaders wrapped up a three-day NCA home camp June 22–24, with both varsity and junior varsity squads participating in 22 hours of instruction.

Two Albany FCCLA teams will leave Saturday, July 5, to attend the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, where they will compete in the Level 3 Instructional Video Design event. The group will return home on July 10.

By David H. WallerThe final weekend of Fandangle is here. And while I’m certainly worn out—like the rest of my family—I always feel a twinge of sadness when the season comes to a close.Growing up in Fandangle, I didn’t know anything different.

Albany water customers should receive a “2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report” in the next few days showing that locally treated water meets or exceeds all federal drinking water requirements.“All the numbers looked good,” Albany water superintendent Michael Graham said.