Fandangle preparations underway

Opening night of the 81st anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle is in just two weeks, and preparations for the annual summer show were visible around Albany this week.

The traditional white Longhorn heads and green banners were put up on telephone poles, membership letters were mailed out, rehearsals continued at the Prairie Theater, costumes were handed out at the Boxcar, and two seasonal workers joined the Fandangle office staff. 

Artistic director Lorna Ayers still has one big concern that is beyond the control of her assistants. 

“I get nervous every time I wake up and hear it raining,” Ayers said. 

The grass stage has water standing in one spot, but otherwise is in good shape for foot traffic.

 However, it is still too soft for the horses, wagons, or longhorns to join rehearsals without the animals’ hooves churning the soft prairie stage into mud.

Wagon master Cody Leech said that the pens backstage are also still too wet to bring in animals at this time.

Office Workers

High school junior Sidney Bartee is working at the Fandangle office again.

Albany alumnus Sydney Key is new to the Fandangle office this year, as are office manager Lyn Baker and marketing director Rebecca Bridges.

“We mailed out the parade registration forms last week, and we should have some of them available here also,” said Key. “This week we sent out the Fandangle membership forms.”

Over 280 tickets were purchased during the last week, though good seats, including some boxes, are still available for each performance.

“The office is open pretty much every day, Monday through Friday,” said Baker. “We usually have someone there from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, and then again from 12:30 until around 3:00 p.m.”

Tickets

Tickets for the summer shows can be purchased for $80 for a box of four seats, $120 for a box of six, $160 for a box of eight, or $15 each for reserved seats. 

Tickets are available 24 hours a day online at fortgriffinfandangle.org, or by phone at 325-762-3838 or in person at 2 Railroad Street when the office is open.

Summer Shows

The 81st anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle will be performed on June 21-22 and June 28-29.

The four summer shows will begin at the Prairie Theater at 8:30 p.m. on each Friday and Saturday evening.

The Fandangle Parade will march 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 for those age 65 and over or the $75 Longhorn level for all ages. 

Members receive a priority parking pass and will be granted admission to a members’ hospitality tent, while memberships at higher levels receive additional benefits.

Patron ($150) and Bronze ($250) packages 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 membership donation is tax deductible,” said Bridges. “Your generous support at any level is appreciated.”

Membership dues and tickets can be purchased online at fortgriffinfandangle.org, by sending an email request to Bridges at info@fandangle.org, or by calling Baker at 325-762-3838.