Final Fandangle Countdown Begins
With opening night now just a week away, preparations for the 88th annual Fort Griffin Fandangle are entering the final stretch as organizers finalize schedules and continue encouraging participation in the annual parade.
This year’s performances are scheduled for June 19-20 and June 26-27 at the Prairie Theater. Gates will open at 7 p.m. each evening, followed by a calliope concert by Louann George at 7:30 p.m. Show time is 8:30 p.m.
Along with the nightly performances, visitors will find a full slate of activities planned throughout both weekends, including museum exhibits, historic tours, shopping, dining and community events.
Weekend
Activities Planned
Many of Albany’s attractions will operate extended hours during the two weekends.
The Old Jail Art Center, Albany Car Museum, Albany City Pool, Shackelford County Courthouse, Historic Picket House and Shackelford County Library will all welcome visitors during the celebration. The Whitney Theatre Quilt Show will also return both weekends.
Fort Griffin State Historic Site will be open daily, while downtown businesses and restaurants are expected to see increased traffic throughout the four-day run.
Sandy Abel will again perform on the tracker organ at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church each afternoon, and the second weekend will feature a Native American dance performance at the Old Jail Art Center on Saturday, June 27.
The Icehouse Cowboy Breakfast is scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. on both Saturdays, while food trucks, live music and dining options will be available before each evening performance.
Parade
Registration
Continues
Organizers are also continuing to seek entries for the annual Fandangle Parade, which is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20.
Parade directors John Ayers, Claire Ware and Cori Bezner said businesses, organizations, churches, clubs, families and individuals are encouraged to participate in this year’s parade. For information or assistance with entries, contact Ayers at 325-669-1156, Ware at 325-262-2389 or Bezner at 325-660-1901. Registration is also available online at fortgriffinfandangle.com/parade.
Entries may include floats, horseback groups, classic vehicles, walking groups and other parade units. There is no charge to enter.
Organizers have expressed a desire to increase participation and continue building the parade as one of the signature events of Fandangle weekend.
Final Stretch Ahead
With opening night approaching, volunteers and participants are spending the final days preparing for the annual production while local attractions and organizations make plans to welcome visitors to Albany.
A complete schedule of activities for both weekends is included in the accompanying sidebar.
