Gala tickets may be available

By Donnie A. Lucas

Although the deadline for tickets has just passed, anyone interested in attending the 18th annual Friends of Fort Griffin Gala set for Saturday, Oct. 15 at Collins Creek Ranch could possibly still purchase tickets if they hurry, according to organizers.

“Our deadline was actually on Tuesday,” organizer Susan Waller said. “If there is anyone who wants to come who doesn’t have tickets yet, they can contact me to see if it is possible for us to squeeze them in.”

The event includes a beef tenderloin meal, both silent and live auctions, and music by Jim Sadler and the Jak Creek Band. Ticket cost is $50.

“Ticket sales have been great,” Waller said. “We were at 170 on Monday.”

Anyone still interested in buying tickets can contact Waller to see if any remain. Waller can be reached by texting a message to 325-762-5038 or emailing susanftgriffin@aol.com or contacting her on the group’s Facebook page.

Proceeds assist the Fort Griffin State Historic Site operated by the Texas Historical Commission.

The fort is located 15 miles north of Albany, with Collins Creek Ranch located just north of the fort on the site of the town of Fort Griffin that grew up on the flat next to the Clear Fork of the Brazos River.

Waller said that the big draws this year besides the food and entertainment are the two auctions.

“We really have some wonderful items for the auctions,” she said. “Most will be available through the silent auction, but a few of the bigger ones will be sold at a live auction.”

Waller said the attire for the event is “Albany Western Chic.”

“We are expecting gorgous weather, but we don’t cancel just because of a little rain,” she said. “Even if there is a shower that evening, we will be there.”

The gate for the event opens at 6:30 p.m.