Parade winners announced
By Donnie A. Lucas
With one of the longer list of entries in several years, the 2023 Fandangle Parade rolled through downtown Albany last Saturday before a large home crowed and several celebrity judges.
The call that went out early and often for entries this year in celebration of the Fandangle’s 85th anniversary, evidently paid off with over 50 entries.
“Local people really stepped up and increased participation this year,” co-chairman John Ayers said. “It was a great parade, and we thank everyone who turned out both with entries or as spectators.”
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three entries in five categories, plus two special awards.
“We thank our sponsors who provided the funds for the awards and trophies,” Megaen Birdwell, who also served as co-chairman. “People really responded well.”
Sponsors for the event this year were First Financial Bank, The Goodnight Steakhouse, and The Albany News.
Birdwell said that the Fandangle office is currently sending out ribbons and prize money to the winners.
The Parade Marshal this year was Johnny Musselman.
“The committee selected Johnny because he was instrumental in reviving the show in 1964 after a break of several years,” Birdwell said. “We wanted to celebrate those have been integral in helping to keep the show going in the past, especially since this is an anniversary year.”
The parade was led by Louann George playing the recently restored calliope, which is also played prior to each performance at the Fandangle’s Prairie Theater.
Judges this year included Texas icon Red Steagall, an American actor, musician, poet, and stage performer who focuses on American Western and country music, along with Tim Long, president of Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards at Ft. Worth, and U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington. Also on the judges stand were Jimbo and Terri Calhoun, and local head football coach Denney Faith.
In addition to Ayers and Birdwell, members of the parade committee included Lorna Ayers, Shannon Leech, and Brittney Harmon.
The Winners
•Best Horse/Horse Drawn – 1. Jacksboro Stage Coach, Clifford Teinert. 2. Parade Marshall Wagon, Reanee LaBonte. 3. Buffalo Wagon, Kory Ware.
•Best Individual Entry – 1. Ft. Griffin Living History. 2. Fandangle Grounds Crew. 3. Albany Cheerleaders.
•Best Group - 1. Moran Volunteer Fire Department Covered Wagon. 2. Fandangle Flag Parade. 3. Kristi Brooker Tribute Truck.
•Best Classic Car – Buffalo Gals, 1928 Model A. 2. “Little Devils” 1963 Red Chevy Pickup. 3. Jon Rex Jones, 1963 Plymouth Barracuda.
•Best Float – 1. State Champion Albany Lion Football Team. 2. Twists and Turns VBS. 3. Beehive Saloon.
•Best Fandangle Theme – Four Generations Float.
•Best Overall Entry – “Attack on the Prairie” Float.
