Fandangle cast prepares for Sampler

By Sandy Morris

Excitement is building as the day draws closer for the traditional Fort Griffin Fandangle membership Sampler which returns to to Reynolds Bend on Lambshead Ranch after an absence of more than 20 years. 

The presentation is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 with a 6:00 p.m. show time followed by live music, dancing, and a prime rib dinner. 

The Clear Fork Boys and guests will provide the musical entertainment after the Sampler. 

Fandangle office manager Jamie Parsons said there has been a good response so far to the Sampler invitations that were mailed out to Fandangle members.

“We mailed out Fandangle membership letters and then began mailing out invitation letters to the Sampler as people joined,” said Parsons. “We are expecting a big crowd based on the RSVPs.”

Parsons said people can continue to join the Fandangle at any time, but will need to join and RSVP for the Sampler meal by Monday, April 12. 

“Memberships are available online by going to www.fandangle.org and clicking on the ‘Join’ box,” said Parsons. “People also can call the office to join or to RSVP. If nobody answers, please leave us a voicemail.”

Membership Levels

Memberships are available in a variety of levels, starting with the Pioneer level, for those aged 65 and over, for $25 per year. 

Longhorn is the next level and will cost $75.

The Patron level is $150, while Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels are $250, $500, and $1,000 respectively.

For those who can contribute a little more to the 501(c)(3) organization, the Platinum level is $2,500 and Diamond is $5,000.

Rehearsals

Fandangle artistic director Lorna Ayers said rehearsals for this year’s show have been going really well.

“The cast is excited about the show this year for several reasons,” said Ayers. “We had to cancel everything last year, so they’re glad to have a chance to be on the stage at all, and secondly, we are moving back out to Lambshead.”

Costumes were handed out at the Fandangle Boxcar on Tuesday evening and will be available again from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Rehearsals have been held in the Aztec and are now outside at the Bank Park, but practices will move to the actual Sampler location next week.

“Beginning next Tuesday and Thursday, we will rehearse at Reynolds Bend,” Ayers said. “We will start at 6:30 because we don’t have lights out there for practice.”