Parade winners to get cash prizes

By Sandy Morris

With a little over one week away, Fandangle parade organizers Ragan Riley and Shannon Leech are encouraging local businesses, organizations, and individuals to submit their 2021 entries. 

This year’s 83rd anniversary parade is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 in downtown Albany, with cash prizes to be given in several categories.

Entries

Entry forms are available at the Fandangle office. There is no cost to sign up for the parade, and forms can be returned to the office or emailed to Riley at rriley@resource care.org.

“All entry forms are due by next Monday, June 14,” said Riley. “It helps us to get the entries in prior to the parade and organize the lineup.”

Awards will be given to first through third place winners in several cate-gories.

Cash prizes will be given for Best Fandangle Themed Float, Best Horse Troupe (at least three riders), Best Classic Car, and Best ‘Western’ Ride (Buggies, Prairie Schooners, Stagecoaches, etc.)

Other awards include Most Authentic, Best Horseman, Most Creative, Judges Choice, Loudest Entry (car horns and sirens excluded), Best Horse, Classic Car that we would love to own, and Best Single Person entry.

Winners will be announced at the Prairie Theater shortly before the start of  the Fandangle performance on June 19,  the day of the parade.

“We are hoping for a lot of entries this year since the 2020 parade was cancelled,” said Riley. “We encourage the local community to get involved.”

Parade participants are asked to arrive on Griffin Street near Nancy Smith Elementary School before 4:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, June 19. 

Entries will need to check in with a parade co-chairman who will then assign a parade number and give instructions on where to line up.

The parade will start promptly at 5:00 p.m. starting on Albany’s Main Street led by Louann George playing the calliope. The route will then circle around the historic Shackelford County Courthouse and head back to the staging area.

Parade Sponsorship

Riley said organizers  are seeking sponsors to help make this parade the best one to date. 

Riley and Leech are encouraging local and area businesses and organizations to become one of this year’s parade sponsors. 

There are several packages to choose from, and the sponsorship money will help provide the cash awards and other prizes for the parade.

“We are so thankful for the sponsors who have already signed up including Prairie Star, First Financial Bank, Clear Fork Coffee, Buds for You, ResourceCare, The Albany News, and Ft. Griffin Gen. Mdse. Restaurant, but more sponsors are still needed,” Riley said. “All sponsors will receive recognition at the parade and on our parade banner located at the judges platform.” 

All sponsor forms are needed by (today) Thursday, June 10 at the Fandangle office or returned to the parade organizers. 

For more information about entering the parade or becoming a sponsor, contact Riley via email at rriley@resourcecare.org or call the Fandangle office at  325-762-3838.