The gazebo in downtown Albany recently received a full restoration, wrapping up a three-week project to update the 50-year-old structure. The work included new decking and repairs to help preserve the historic downtown structure.

Elevated Construction Group, based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, completed the project at a quoted cost of $35,700. The team replaced the original flooring with Trex composite decking, a long-lasting material made from recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood.

The hit PBS travel series The Daytripper will shine a spotlight on Albany in an upcoming episode set to premiere in mid-October. The episode will first air on PBS Austin on Thursday, Oct. 16, and on all other Texas PBS stations on Saturday, Oct. 18. It will also be available on the show’s YouTube channel beginning Monday, Oct. 20.

The Old Jail Art Center will open its fall season of exhibitions this Saturday, September 27, with a public celebration for members and guests from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening marks the debut of three new exhibitions: Texas Moderns: Dickson Reeder, Strange Expanses by Timothy Harding, and Curious, a series of short films on loan from the Blanton Museum of Art.

The exhibitions reflect the museum’s continued efforts to present a wide range of visual art—from mid-century Texas painters to contemporary installation work and multimedia storytelling.

Seniors Mimi Ivy and Cade Fairchild were crowned Albany High School’s 2025 Homecoming Queen and King during halftime ceremonies at the Albany vs. Coahoma football game Friday night, Sept. 19, at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

The pair, both Albany seniors and lifelong friends, were crowned in front of a large homecoming crowd. The king and queen were selected by a vote of students in grades 9–12 from among eight senior nominees. Class princes and princesses, organization sweethearts and beaus, and other royalty were also introduced on the field.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Eight new public information requests submitted at Albany City Hall by Tammy Fogle of Abilene  on Monday, Sept. 22, have extended the ongoing debate over the “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance in Albany. 

A Sanctuary City ordinance failed at the Aug. 18 city meeting, when no motion was voiced to bring it to a vote. Supporters had been seeking to have it placed on the city agenda for several months, and city officials finally did that in August.

Fort Griffin will come alive with frontier sights and sounds during Living History Days, set for October 10–11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Griffin State Historic Site north of Albany. The event offers an immersive step back into the late 1800s, featuring reenactments and demonstrations that capture the spirit of Texas frontier life.

The Albany Mainstreet Playhouse has announced its 2025–2026 performance season, featuring a diverse lineup of productions that promise both entertainment and community engagement. The group, now officially operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, hopes this season will raise both spirits and funds—with a goal of $15,000 to support its efforts.

Season Opens with WWII-Era Cabaret

The Patch, hosted by Bethel Albany, returns for its eighth year this Saturday, Sept. 27, bringing fall fun to Clear Fork Bank Park for the entire community. This year’s event also coincides with Bethel Albany’s 10th anniversary, adding an extra layer of celebration to the day.

The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with the opening of the pumpkin market, followed by a wide array of family-friendly activities starting at 10:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music, games, bounce houses, train rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and free family photo opportunities.

Albany High School will celebrate Homecoming 2025 on Friday, Sept. 19, with traditional festivities that include a downtown parade and the presentation of royalty during halftime of the football game against Coahoma. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium.

Homecoming Parade

This year’s parade will begin at 5 p.m. and travel through downtown Albany before returning to the stadium parking lot. 

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany City Council members heard from one local citizen related to the ongoing controversy over the proposed “Sanctuary City for the Unborn” ordinance during their regular meeting Monday, Sept. 15, while also approving the city’s 2025 tax rate and authorizing the fire chief to pursue a used fire engine through a state grant program.