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Sampler received with enthusiasm

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By Sandy Morris

Despite the week of rain and muddy conditions which resulted in a last-minute change of venue, the 2021 Fandangle Sampler was welcomed back by a supportive audience at the Jackson Warehouse on Saturday night.

The Sampler was originally scheduled to return to Rey­nolds Bend, on the Lambshead Ranch after an absence of over 20 years. 

As the week of heavy rains continued, rehearsals were rescheduled, and Fandangle artistic director Lorna Ayers kept a close eye on the forecast.

“We watched the weather all week long,” said Ayers. “It wasn’t until 5:30 p.m. Friday afternoon when a final decision was made to move the Sampler.”

Ayers said the original plan was to use the old townsite of Griffin Flat on the Collins Creek Ranch as a backup, but after Clifford Teinert told her it was too muddy there for the show, she and board member Henry Musselman met with Teinert, who  offered the use of the outdoor area behind the Jackson Warehouse.

“We went and looked at it, and the space was perfect for what we needed to pull off the show,” Ayers said. “Jackson Warehouse hadn’t even seemed like an alternate location. We are just so very grateful to Lynne and Clifford for stepping in at the last minute and offering up their help.”

Clifford Teinert said it really wasn’t difficult to get the venue ready for the show.

“It generally stays in pretty good shape, and we had just had a pre-wedding party there the week before,” Teinert said. “All we really had to do was get our daughter, Cathy Rupp, to get the cleaning crew together and get things ready. We opened up Sinclair Station for the girls to change, and I think everything worked out pretty well.”

While some of the traditional elements of the Sampler weren’t presented such as the Cavalry, the Flag Parade, or all the horses and wagons, the children and teens were still able to ride in during the show for “Six Bright Flags.”

“The whole cast was just amazing, not only during this past week, but since we began rehearsals,” said Ayers. “We have practiced in four different spots over the past five weeks. When we changed locations, everyone jumped in and helped with everything including setting up the chairs for seating. It was a wonderful machine at work.”

Following the presentation, the audience enjoyed live music from The Clear Fork Boys and Guests, dancing, and a beef tenderloin dinner. 

The change in venue didn’t appear to affect the attendance on Saturday night.

“I looked around, and it seemed like all of the tables were full,” Ayers said. “I think people really missed it last year and are ready for the Fandangle to be back.” 

Fandangle Rehearsals

Now that the Sampler is behind them, the cast and crew can start rehearsing for the summer performances.

Fandangle practice will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4 at the Prairie Theater.

The show is open to anyone who would like to participate, and rehearsal schedules are available at the Fandangle office or can be picked up at practice.

The summer shows are set for June 18, 19, 25, and 26 at the Prairie Theater.