A variety of pets were pranced around in front of a crowd at the Bank Park Saturdayduringtheannual Fandangle Pet Parade. Winners were named in several categories, with first place receiving $25 in AlbanyBucks,secondplace earning$15,andthirdplace receiving $10.

The Cubs Cheer Camp offers youngsters a taste of what it takes to be Albany Lions cheerleader, complete with a public performance. The camp is scheduled for Monday-Wednesday, July 29-31.

Students in grade 8-12 who are planning to be members of the Ragin’ Red Lion Band will start preparing for the 2024 marching season on Monday, July 22 in the band hall with rehearsals for the percussion section including the pit crew. The band has a new director and assistant director this year, but summer rehearsals will be similar to last year, according to head director Jessica Watkins.

More than 100 campers are expected at this year’s SummerDayCamp,which starts July 15 and runs through July 26. Donations are still being accepted for the annual event, which is sponsored by Shackelford County ResourceCenter.Thecamp will run two consecutive weeks this year, including Monday through Friday, July 15-19 and again July 22-26.

Pick-up dates for the July distribution of commodity foods will fall a week later than usual because of the Fourth of July holiday. According to Justice of the Peace James Breeden, who handles the program for Shackelford County, commodities will be available on Thursday and Friday, July 11-12.

The annual Fandangle Parade went off without a hitch last Saturday with over 30 entries entertaining the several hundred spectators positioned along the route through downtown Albany. “The parade was fantastic thanks to our entrants, sponsors, and volunteers,” parade co-chair Megaen Birdwell said.

With the first weekend of performances of the 86th anniversary edition of the Fort Griffin Fandangle now in the books, including a sell-out last Saturday, cast and crew are preparing for the final two shows set for Friday (tomorrow) and Saturday at the Prairie Theater. Receptive audiences were in attendance for the two performances last weekend, being treated to a collection of Fandangle songs and scenes that weave together the story of the settling of the Clear Fork of the Brazos area near Fort Griffin 150 years ago by ancestors of many local citizens.