Shootouts, contests planned

The wild west will come back to life, at least for a day, in downtown Albany this month at the first annual Chamber of Commerce Wild West Day on Saturday, April 27, and a host of activities will provide a multitude of entertainment options for all ages.

Main Street will be shut down to regular traffic from 11:45 until 1:15 p.m., and people dressed in period costumes will take to the street while Louann George plays a half-hour concert on the calliope.

“You never can tell what might happen,” said Chamber office manager Mary Beth Jones. “There might be a shoot out, or the bank might get robbed.”

Kids Attractions

Kids activities get under way at 1:00 p.m. at the Bank Park. 

Stick horse races and stick horse sales sponsored by the Shackelford County 4-Hers will be available from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m.

A petting zoo, horse carousel, and wagon rides coming from Eula will be at the park from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. 

A children’s roping pen will be open from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., and a petting zoo will be available from 2:00 until 5:30 p.m., both sponsored by local churches.

Mike Whitmore will set up at the Bank Park and give blacksmith demonstrations every half hour from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Pie Baking Contest

“We are hoping that a lot of good bakers will enter the Pie Contest,” said Jones. “There is no charge to enter, and Kindred at Home is furnishing a gift basket of items to the winner.”

To submit a pie, just take it to the old T.E. Jackson Warehouse, now home to the Blue Duck Winery, anytime between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. The pies will be judged, and the winners will later be announced in front of everyone in the downtown area at 5:30 p.m. 

“For a donation, people can come to the winery from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. and try a slice of pie,” Jones added. “Treca Edington with Prairie Star will make a few extra pies, so hopefully there will be plenty of samples available.”

Melodrama

A two-part play will begin at the Aztec and finish at the Courthouse.

“Come meet gamblers, sporting women, and saloon owners,” said organizer Ragan Riley. “Learn a little history of Fort Griffin as told through a play presented by volunteers. It is a free show that all ages will enjoy!”

Show times are 1:15 p.m. at the Aztec and 2:45 p.m. at the Courthouse. The play will be repeated at 4:00 p.m. at the Aztec and 5:30 p.m. at the Courthouse.

That’s Not All

Other activities will include food trucks just north of the Courthouse from 11:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., domino games at Vintage Vanilla, a magician at the Aztec meeting room, fiddlers performing in the Whitney Theatre, vendors at the park, singing competitions, Roy Burl Oliver music, and the Fandangle train and wagons.

Vendor Reservations

To reserve a vendor space for Wild West Day, call Lisa Barton at 325-762-3388. Vendor spaces are free to nonprofits and Chamber members, and are $25 for others.

For more information about Wild West Day, contact Jones at the Chamber office during business hours Tuesday through Friday by calling 325-762-2525.