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Wild West Day draws crowds to downtown area

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Although bank robber Lacey Anderson and her accomplices Megaen Birdwell, wagon driver Cody Leech, and sheriff Shannon Leech made off with a huge haul of phoney bills stolen from the bank during the first annual Albany Chamber of Commerce Wild West Day last Saturday, their counterfeit treasure could not compare with the pride beaming from the eyes of Maggie Spraberry, who baked the winning pie using her great-grandmother Bess Hobbs’ recipe.

Albany native Kirstin Hilliard won the top spot at the crooner contest, earning $400 in CareFest tickets and $200 cash.

Jesseca Williams was awarded $200 cash money for second place in the singing contest, while Braden Davis took third for $100.

The pie winners, including Paul Hamilton who claimed best cream pie with a coconut cream, Cassidy Draper who was first in chess pies, and Michaela Smith with a cherry pie that topped the fruit category, were each awarded $25 gift cards.

Spraberry won $25 for the best nut pie and beat out 21 other pies to win the overall pie baking championship and a basketful of gift items donated by Kindred at Home. 

In contrast, Branch Bartee was the big loser during the shoot-out.

He shot at “sheriff” Shannon Leech, missed, and was “killed” by soldiers from Fort Griffin, according to Chamber manager MaryBeth Jones. 

“The day turned out great,” said Jones. “We had lots of folks come from out of town, and we are hoping for an even bigger crowd next year.”

Organizer and director Ragan Riley said that she thought the melodrama performances turned out well.

“I could not have been more proud of the cast and the way they performed,” Riley said. “The shows were fantastic, and I heard a lot of positive feedback. We were so excited to be a part of this new tradition, and we can’t wait until next year.”

There were many local residents who took center stage in one form or another during Wild West Day, and others helped coordinate  the event from behind the scenes.

Jones plans to put an ad in the next issue to thank all the volunteers.

“We had some great vendors set up on the bank park with unique crafts and some delicious treats,” said Chamber president Ramby Anderson. “Kevin Smith and his staff from the Abilene Philharmonic brought out the ‘Instrument Petting Zoo’ and a neat coloring contest for the kids. Prairie Star, the Icehouse, Blue Duck Winery, First National Bank, Brookeshire’s, Vintage Vanilla, and The Town Store were among the local businesses that chipped in to make a great event, and Heff’s food truck was a big hit as well.”

Anderson added that his son Ryder loved the interactive display that Tamara Trail and the 4-H Club set up. 

“I personally had a great day with my family, and I think Wild West Day was a success,” said Anderson.

Jones said that she and the Chamber were very grateful to everyone who helped with the event, and they intend to keep trying out various ideas to get even more people to come to town, listen, and experience why Albany is special in so many different ways.