Final Fandangle weekend packed with events
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.
Free events will be offered on Friday and Saturday including a quilt show, tracker organ concert, calliope concert, viewing the Picket House, longhorns on the courthouse square, exhibits and crafts kits at the Old Jail Art Center, plus several other activities.
Shopping will be available at downtown stores, there will again be food trucks in the Bank Park area, and restaurants around town will be open for business.
The Icehouse is offering an outdoor chuckwagon style breakfast this Saturday morning, June 28, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Visitors are also welcome to tour the Fort Griffin State Historical Site a few miles north of town.
Quilt Show
Members of the Albany Study Club are sponsoring their annual quilt show at the Whitney Theatre in downtown Albany, and the free event is open to the general public from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Fandangle days.
Raffle tickets for a quilt to be given away cost $5 each or five tickets for $20.
Tickets may be purchased from study club members, at the county library, or at the quilt show. The winner will be announced before the final Fandangle performance.
Musical Events
Local musician and Fandangle organist Sandy Abel will present a concert on the Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s tracker organ from 4:00 until about 5:00 p.m. each day of the Fandangle.
Louann George will play the Fandangle calliope at 7:30 p.m. at the Prairie Theater prior to the start of each Fandangle performance.
The Icehouse Restaurant and Goodnight’s Steakhouse are both featuring live music during the Fandangle weekend.
Tours and Museums
On Saturday, June 28, visitors can take part in a free historic walking tour, which begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Bank Park.
The Shackelford County Courthouse will be open for viewing until 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Hours on Saturday are scheduled for 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The Picket House at the Bank Park should be open from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Albany Car Museum will be open from noon to 7:00 p.m. every afternoon during the Fandangle season, offering a chance to explore vintage vehicles and memorabilia.
The Old Jail Art Center will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with free admission. The Texas Critter Corral family festival returns to the Old Jail on Saturday, June 28, with crafts, games, and treats for children of all ages.
In addition to summer exhibits and displays of items in the museum’s permanent collection, Fandangle-themed grab-n-go crafts are available in the trunk located outside of the gates.
Longhorns
Several animals from the official state herd of the longhorns at Fort Griffin State Historic Site will be located on the Courthouse Square from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. each night of the show.
Other members of the herd are featured in the Fandangle and can also be seen at the historical site.
Shopping Downtown
Albany merchants offer a wide variety of items for sale.
Some store owners have decorated their downtown windows with special memorabilia and/or historic items for the Fandangle season.
Fort Griffin
The historic partially-restored frontier fort at Fort Griffin State Historic Site is located several miles north of Albany on US Hwy. 183. The site offers visitors a look into frontier life with original ruins, exhibits, and scenic views. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, veterans, teachers, and first responders, and $2 for children ages 6 to 17. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Family admission for two adults and one child is $8, with an additional $1 for each extra child. Special programs are included with general admission.
To learn more or to reserve a camping site, call 325-762-3592.
