AFamilyFestivalthisSaturday, Nov.23,attheOldJailArt Center is an event that whole familiescanparticipatein,and the local museum encourages everyone to attend. TheNavajoHeritageFamily Festival, scheduled from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Withstockshowseason gearing up, the Shackelford County Showdown returns Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Shackelford County Show Barn.

Applications and donations arebeingacceptedfor various programs to assist local residents during the holiday season. Programs are organized andoverseenbytheAlbany Ministerial Alliance and ResourceCare.

Following a week-long break, rehearsals are continuing for the 2024 production of “The Nativity,” setforDec.13and14atthe Aztec Theater. Performancesaresetfor 7:30 p.m.

TheannualHarvestAcre Bazaar, hosted by Friendship Baptist Church, will openat8:00a.m.Saturday, Nov.23. The bazaar is located at the church’s activity center, at 600 Greer St.

TheannualCommunity ThanksgivingServicewill be hosted by First Baptist Church on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 6:00 p.m.

The Albany News will print Santa letters and holiday essays in the Christmas issue to be published on Dec 19. All Albany and Moran children are invited to write letters, which should be submitted to the newspaper onorbeforeMonday, Dec.

Fifth grade students fromNancySmithElementary School spent Monday-Wednesday, Nov. 4-6, at CampGradySpruceatPossum Kingdom Lake studying natural science of the area, with 29 students and fiveadultsmakingthetrip. “It’s basically the same program they have every year,” said NSES teacher Leslie Neve. “They had lakeology, where they see the health of the lake. That was new to some of the kids.”

The junior high one-act play brought home third place last week from the district contest in Stamford, also earning individual honors, including best performer. The cast and crew presented the comedy “The Love of Three Oranges” at the UIL contest.

Nancy Smith Elementary School students can winaturkeyforChristmas dinner Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the school’s inaugural Jingle Run.