By Donnie A. Lucas
The sound of the bugle call will once again open each performance of the 85th anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle on Friday (tomorrow) at 8:30 p.m. at the Prairie Theater.
Audience members will be treated to specially scripted and prepared Fandangle songs and scenes woven together to highlight the anniversary of the outdoor extravaganza.
By Donnie A. Lucas
An special anniversary edition of the Ft. Griffin Fandangle Parade will rumble down Main Street, wind around the Courthouse and come by for a second pass Saturday, with the recently restored calliope leading the way.
Parade organizers are hoping for the largest number of entries in recent years, complete with a set of celebrity judges including Red Steagall, Tim Long, Rep. Jodey Arrington, Jimbo and Terri Calhoun, and Denney Faith.
By Melinda L. Lucas
Albany city council members heard a report from pool manager Meg Walser and discussed at length several requests from the Albany Volunteer Fire Department for reimbursement and new purchases during a meeting on Monday, June 12.
Walser, who is operating the pool singlehandedly after several years of two or more managers, said that she relies on a few “head lifeguards” to help.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Shackelford County Commissioners approved a lease for three vehicles for the sheriff’s department, discussed a proposal to replace the air conditioning in the Courthouse, and okayed repairs to the roof at the county show barn during a regular meeting Monday, June 12.
By Donnie A. Lucas
Improvements at the Shackelford County Show Barn have started with the pouring of a concrete floor throughout the main part of the building, but several projects still remain on the list.
In early May, the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association announced a fundraising effort to raise $200,000 or more to make overdue updates to the 50-year-old structure.
Mike Parsons, who is heading up the fundraising drive, said that donations have been coming in, but he still has a couple of outstanding gifts that have been committed to.
By Melinda L. Lucas
A blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, June 22.
Hendrick Regional Blood Center will be at First Baptist Church from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.
The first two dates of the 2023 series were moved to Fridays, but as of June, will go back to Thursdays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Local Kiwanians urge community members to donate blood to help ensure that patients in area hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting when an emergency occurs.
By Sam Waller
Alanna Stephens has long had a passion for creating art.
Now she’s making it pay off.
Stephens’ Yellow Rose Studios, located at 57 S. Main St. in Albany, will hold an open house Saturday, June 17, with the studio open to the public at 11:00 a.m.
During Fandangle season, Stephens plans to be open from 11:00 a.m. until show time on show days, allowing visitors to view her work, which is right across the street from the barbecue meals being served at the Bank Park.
By Sam Waller
Shackelford County 4-H member Faith Fry finished second with her horse educational presentation at the State 4-H Roundup last week, qualifying for the national competition to be held in Ohio next month.
The Roundup was held Monday-Thursday, June 5-8 at College Station.
Fry gave her presentation on Thursday, a day after competing in horse judging. The team of Fry, Madailein Beard, Jordan Fikes, and Paisley Clark finished 12th overall in the team standings, with a sixth place in “reasons,” seventh in halter, and 14th in performance.
By Sam Waller
The Shackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour knocked out the first two of its scheduled four programs in the span of five days with children getting the chance to learn about different animals.
On June 9, beekeeper Mark Routon gave a presentation on bees. Then on Tuesday, June 13, Lori Schooler gave a presentation on chickens.
Story hour will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesdays for the next two weeks. Preschool children must be accompanied by an adult. The program will include crafts and games related to each story.
By Sam Waller
The First Baptist Church youth program is again planning to conduct a fundraising volleyball tournament after an earlier effort fell through in March.
The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 24 at the Albany High School gym, with an entry deadline of Thursday, June 22. Proceeds will go to help fund attendance at summer camps for FBC youth.
FBC youth minister Eduardo San Lucas said he is looking for volunteers to assist with the event.
