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Fandangle cast to host Sampler

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At 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, April 19, the cast of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will present the 2019 membership Sampler at the site of the Town of Fort Griffin on Lynne and Clifford Teinert’s Collins Creek Ranch. 

Gates at the ranch will open at 5:30 p.m., and seating will be ready for Fandangle Association members who send in their RSVP by today, April 18.

Because the show’s story line this year surrounds the Matthews/Reynolds families, there will be at least 30 members of the Matthews family in attendance at the Sampler, according to artistic director Lorna Ayers.

Those who want to join in the fun but have not yet paid their annual membership dues can still go by the Depot before it closes at around 3:00 p.m. today, pay their dues, and turn in their Sampler RSVP card to office manager Lyn Baker.

“But we won’t be open this Friday because it is a holiday,” Baker added.

After the performance on Saturday evening, all those with a dinner reservation will be able enjoy the $15 barbecue brisket plate fixed by members of the cast, along with sides prepared by former cast member Treca Edington, owner of Prairie Star.

Members are welcome to bring a picnic basket meal if preferred. 

Music will be provided by the John Powell band including members John Caldwell, Jim Sadler, Adam Flores, and Rode Owen.

“They will play all of your classic and Western swing favorites you can dance along to,” said marketing director Rebecca Bridges. “It’s going to be a great show and a fun party!”

Rehearsals

Monday night was the first practice at the ranch this year. 

“Moving out to Griffin went very well,” said Ayers on Tuesday morning. “We’ll be adding horses and wagons later this week.” 

Practice at “The Flat” also took place on Tuesday night, and tonight, April 18 is the final run-through scheduled before the Sampler. 

Ayers said that cast members will take a short break after this weekend’s performance.

“Rehearsals will start up for the summer show on Sunday, May 12 with square dancers, Huppi Hi and a new dance just for junior high students,” said the director. “Rehearsal schedules can be found on the Fandangle website under the ‘Cast Info’ tab, then enter ‘2019’.”

Summer Shows

This year, four performances are scheduled at the Prairie Theater just outside of Albany on June 21, 22, 28, and 29. The shows start at 8:30 p.m. each night.

The Fandangle Parade will roll through downtown Albany at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22.

Memberships

Memberships are available in a variety of levels, starting with a $25 Pioneer level just for those age 65 and over, or the $75 Longhorn level for all ages. 

Members at all levels receive an invitation to the Fandangle Membership Sampler, can buy tickets to the summer shows before sales open up to the general public on April 20, receive a priority parking pass, and will be granted admission to a Members’ Hospitality Tent.

Memberships at higher levels receive additional benefits.

Patron ($150) and Bronze ($250) packages also include two tickets to the summer show.

Silver ($500), and higher level members are provided seat cushions and meal vouchers, while the Gold level ($1,000) adds concession vouchers as well.

Platinum ($2,500) and Diamond ($5,000) members can arrange for a guided tour of Fort Griffin State Historic Site, enjoy a VIP hospitality tent, and are also invited to join a cast member for a photo opportunity and a meet-and-greet on stage after the show.

“The Fort Griffin Fandangle is a 501c3 organization, and your donation is tax deductible,” said Bridges. “Your generous support at any level is appreciated.”

Membership dues can be paid online at fortgriffin fandangle.org, by sending an email request to Bridges at info@fandangle.org, or by calling Baker at the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838 or at 325-762-0470.