WANTED: Parade entries
By Donnie A. Lucas
A new set of prize categories has been announced for the annual Ft. Griffin Fandangle Parade set to roll through downtown Albany on Saturday, June 17.
As part of the 85th anniversary celebration for the Fandangle, the parade committee has been out rounding up entries in an attempt to make this a memorable event, co-chairman Megaen Birdwell said.
In addition to a couple of special celebrity judges, the parade committee has selected Johnny Musselman to serve as the Parade Marshal.
“Since Johnny was instrumental in reviving the show in the early 1960s after a break, we felt he would be the obvious choice to serve as the Parade Marshal,” she said. “We want to celebrate those who were integral in helping to keep the show going in the past, especially since this is an anniversary year.”
While the number of official entries increased during the last week to 12, organizers say they have commitments from at least 25 individuals, groups or businesses who plan to enter.
“The entry form is online at www.fandangle.com, or just drop by the Fandangle office in the depot to fill one out,” Birdwell said. “We need to have a written form to gather the information about each entry including the names of those involved so they can be announced as they pass by the judges stand.”
The categories that will be awarded cash prizes this year include Best Fandangle Theme, Best Horse Drawn, Best Float, Best Classic/Antique Vehicle, Best Individual/Group Entry, and Best Overall Entry.
Birdwell said that Brittney Harmon has joined the parade committee and is working hard to increase the number of entries.
Other members of the group are John and Lorna Ayers and Shannon Leech.
“Our goal is to really celebrate this 85th anniversary year with a parade similar to ones that they had back in the day,” Harmon told the Fandangle cast and crew members at rehearsal on Monday. “The parade has been smaller lately, and we want to build it back up.”
Harmon reported that floats are planned depicting several scenes from this year’s show including Indian Prairie, Indian Raid, Little Devils, the Snake, Goin’ to Church, Griffin Street Scene, and Cowboy Campfire; however, float sponsors and participants are still needed.
Anyone interested in entering a float or riding on one that is being planning can contact Harmon by email: bwinters0@yahoo.com or leave a message at the Fandangle office to be contacted by a committee member. The office phone is 325-762-3838.
The two special judges already committed to attend the parade and the show that night are Texas icon Red Steagall, an American actor, musician, poet, and stage performer who focuses on American Western and country music, and Tim Long, president of Cowtown Coliseum in the Stockyards at Ft. Worth.
“We really want to fill up the parade this year” Fandangle artistic director and parade committee member Lorna Ayers said. “The parade is part of the whole Fandangle experience and needs to include local individuals, clubs, and family groups rather than relying on out-of-town entries.”
The form to enter the parade is located on the website: www.fandangle.com. Select the “Fandangle” tab located on the top menu bar and then go to “Parade.”
The deadline to enter the parade has been extended to Friday, June 16 in order to give residents extra time to organize an entry.
Winners will be announced at the Prairie Theater shortly before the start of Saturday evening’s performance.
“We really, really need people to respond and help us have a great parade this year,” Lorna Ayers said. “This needs to be special this year.”
Birdwell asked businesses or individuals who will help sponsor to contact the Fandangle office. Sponsor donations will be used to provide the cash prizes and trophies.
“We only have a couple of sponsors so far, and we need more,” Birdwell said.
For more information about helping sponsoring or entering the parade, call the Fandangle office at 325-762-3838.
