Parade winners named
By Jillian Lucas
Children lined the streets of downtown Albany Saturday afternoon in anticipation of catching heaps of candy thrown from the floats and wagons of the 2021 Fort Griffin Fandangle Parade participants.
The annual parade was held this last Saturday, June 19, following its usual route down Main Street.
Those in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves; however, participation this year was lower than in years past.
“I felt that we were down in numbers this year,” stated parade cochairmen Ragan Riley. “But we are hoping that the cash prizes generously donated by many local businesses will spark more interest and draw in a bigger crowd for next year.”
For the first time in the history of the parade, cash prizes were received by the winning participants.
“It would not have been possible to have actual money as prizes without our wonderful sponsors,” Riley said.
Among these sponsors were ResourceCare, State Representative Glenn Rogers, The Albany News, Prairie Star, First Financial Bank, Clear Fork Coffee, Buds for You, the Morse Family, Fort Griffin General Merchandise and Beehive Saloon, and Icehouse Restaurant.
Parade Lineup
As per tradition, the parade was led by Louann George playing the iconic calliope followed by horses, wagons, floats, and antique vehicles of all kinds.
The Texas Central also made its way through town as well as loads of fire trucks carrying the junior high, junior varsity, and varsity cheerleaders.
This year’s parade marshal was John Ayers riding in a buggy alongside several of his grandchildren.
During the parade, Ayers was given an award to recognize 30 years of service as parade chairman.
Ragan Riley and Shannon Leech took over as cochairmen beginning with the 2021 parade.
“We definitely have big footsteps to follow,” stated Riley, “but Shannon and I will do our absolute best to fill those.”
Winning Entries
The parade had 12 categories including seven cash prizes and two free dinners at local restaurants.
The top entries in the different categories were decided by the judges and announced before the Saturday performance of the Fandangle.
The 2021 Fandangle Parade winners include the following:
Best
Fandangle
Themed
Float
($300
cash
prize)– “Lavender Cowboy.”
Best
Horse
Troupe
–
over
three
riders
($150
cash
prize)
–
2021 Fandangle Flag Parade.
Best
Classic
Ride
($150
cash
prize)
– 1937 Original Ford Pick-up Owned by Vern and Becky Sutterfield of Tye, Texas.
Best
Western
Ride
($150
cash
prize)
– David Hutto of Cisco, Texas.
Most
Authentic
($50
cash
prize)
– Fort Griffin Historic Society Re-enactors.
Best
Horseman
($50
cash
prize)
– 2021 Sidesaddle Ladies.
Best
Horse
($50
cash
prize)
– Horse riden by Lanham Martin.
Classic
Ride
we
would
love
to
own
(dinner
for
two
at
Icehouse)–
1952 Massey Harris Pony Tractor owned by Brad McBee.
Loudest
Entry
(no
car
horns
or
sirens)
– Chopper Motorcycle owned by Christopher Turner.
Most
Creative
– Fort Griffin Grounds Crew.
Best
Single
Person
Entry
(dinner
for
two
at
Beehive)
–
Prairie Schooner driven by Lee Burton.
Judges
Choice
– Albany’s Biker Gang.
Parade Thanks
Riley expressed her appreciation to this year’s judges – Glenn Rogers, Tom and Joan Geisbert, Cathy Rupp, and Donnie Anderson.
Riley also thanked announcer Pam Davis, musician Jeff Martin, and sound system provider Roy Burl Oliver, along with everyone who helped with lineup duties, the individuals and businesses that provided trucks, trailers and drivers for the parade, and the sheriff’s office, police department, DPS and highway department for handling and diverting traffic during the event.
“I want to thank all the judges, sponsors, participants, and everyone who makes this parade possible,” said Riley. “I also want to thank the spectators for coming out and supporting our community.”
