Plans progressing to celebrate county’s anniversary
Plans for several events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of Shackelford County have been announced by a special Sesquicentennial CommitteeoftheChamber of Commerce.
The county’s 150th birthday will be commemorated through a series of history-themed events showcasing the “rich heritage and vibrant community spirit that defines Shackelford County,” according to a announcement made by the committee.
The first event will be a brief recognition to open celebrations at the annual Fort Griffin Fandangle Sampler at Collins Creek Ranch on April 20.
Thecelebrationwillcontinue during the two-week period of performances of the Fandangle in June, including the unfurling of a new county flag during the annual Fandangle Parade on June 22. A special float entrynotingthesesquicentennial celebration is also planned to participate in the parade.
The main event for the celebration will be held on the weekend of Oct. 11-12 in conjunction with the Albany homecoming, the Fort Griffin Reenactment, and the gala hosted by the Friends of Fort Griffin.
A kick-off luncheon is being planned for Friday, Oct. 11, followed by reenactment events at at Fort Griffin.
Also, a pregame activity is planned prior to the footballgamethatevening, followed by a street dance at the Bank Park following the game.
A cowboy breakfast is planned for Saturday morning in Albany, with a festival throughout the day in the downtown area.
The celebration will be capped during the annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala at Collins Creek.
A full schedule of events wi l l be posted at the committee’s website, www. shackelford150.com.
There will also be an online store for the public to purchase special sesquicentennial merchandise.
Anyone interested in helping fund the celebration is urged to join the “150 Club,” withmemberships at various levels, each of which include special perks. In addition to the newly designed flag, a special memorial Christmas ornament,anupdated sesquicentennial book about the county, and prints of courthouse images will also be available.
The group is headed by David Waller, chair of the committee, along with several other community leaders.
“We are still looking for members to help plan a variety of activities,” Waller said. “Anyone who is interested in helping should contactmeortheChamber office to volunteer.”
He said that the committee already has a handful of members who have volunteered, but more are welcome.
“We also need some advisors to help guide the committee, especially someone from the Moran area,” he said.
Anyone interested in helping with the celebration can email Waller at info@westerntraildesign. com or call the Chamber office at 325-762-2525.
Waller will be posting information on a blog located on The Albany News website (www.the albanynews.net). The blog is named “The Albany Echo,” and is featured in the menu bar at the top of the newspaper’s website.
