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Albany News

By Donnie A. Lucas

Organizers of the annual Ft. Griffin Fandangle parade have lined up special judges as part of the 85th anniversary celebration of the outdoor show and now are looking for both sponsors and entries to make the event a success.

This year’s parade is scheduled to roll down Main Street at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17.

Texas icon Red Steagall, an American actor, musician, poet, and stage performer who focuses on American Western and country music, and Tim Long, president of Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards at Ft. Worth, have both committed to serving as parade judges and attending the Fandangle this year.

While there are eight out-of-town entries so far for the parade, more are needed – especially local entries.

“We really need local entries to fill up the parade,” Fandangle artistic director Lorna Ayers said. “The parade is part of the whole Fandangle experience and needs to include local individuals, clubs, and family groups rather than relying on out-of-town entries.”

Groups, families and individuals, as well as parade sponsors who help fund the cash prizes and trophies, are urged to sign up by filling out an entry form online or at the Fandangle office located in the Depot building. The Fandangle website, which is also where tickets can be purchased, has an entry form for the parade.

The website is www.fandangle.com. Select the “Fandangle” tab located on the top menu bar and then go to “Parade.”

Cash prizes will again be handed out in categories such as Best Fandangle Theme Float, Best Horse Troupe (at least three riders), Best Classic Car and Best “Western” Ride (buggies, prairie schooners, stagecoaches, etc). The exact list of categories and cash amounts will be published next week after the parade committee meets to make those decisions.

Entries are also being sought in other categories such as the list from last year that included Most Authentic, Best Horseman, Most Creative, Judges’ Choice, Loudest Entry (cars and sirens excluded), Best Horse, Best Classic Car that we would love to own, and Best Single Person entry.

“We really to hear from people soon,” co-chair Megaen  Birdwell said. “We are asking for entry forms to be returned by Monday, June 12 so we have time to organize the parade.”

Joining Birdwell to co-chair the event are Shannon Leech, John Ayers, and Lorna Ayers.

Winners will be announced at the Prairie theater shortly before the start of Saturday evening’s performance.

“We are really, really asking people to respond and help us have a great parade again this year,” Lorna Ayers said. “This is a special anniversary year, so we want to have a memorable parade for all our local residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Birdwell asked that business or individual sponsors to help fund the cash prizes and trophies contact the Fandangle office or one of the parade organizers.

For more information about helping sponsoring or entering the parade, call the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.

“We have ideas for entries to help anyone interested who may not know what to do,” Birdwell said.