Fandangle brings full slate of weekend events to Albany
By Melinda Lucas
Albany will be bustling with activity this weekend and next as Fort Griffin Fandangle performances return for their final two weekends – June 20-21 and June 27-28. Each performance day brings with it a host of free events, concerts, museum activities, and community traditions, perfect for visitors and locals alike.
Downtown shops will be open, food trucks will be parked at the Bank Park, and Albany’s restaurants will be ready to serve those looking to enjoy a full day before the show begins. Highlights include the annual Fandangle Parade this Saturday, June 21, and a Tonkawa dance performance at the Old Jail Art Center earlier that same afternoon.
Quilt Show at the Whitney
The Albany Study Club’s annual Quilt Show returns to the Whitney Theatre from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. each Fandangle day.
Admission is free and includes a chance to view the group’s raffle quilt, which will be awarded on June 28 prior to the last Fandangle performance.
Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and may be purchased from Study Club members, at the library, or at the show.
Musical Offerings
Concertgoers can enjoy two unique performances daily.
From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sandy Abel will play the historic tracker organ at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.
At 7:30 p.m., Louann George will perform on the restored Fandangle calliope at the Prairie Theater just before the show begins.
Museums, Tours and Family Festivals
A variety of cultural and historical experiences are planned throughout Fandangle weekends. Each Saturday, June 21 and June 28, visitors can take part in a free historic walking tour, which begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Bank Park.
The Albany Car Museum will be open from noon to 7:00 p.m. every afternoon during the Fandangle season, offering a chance to explore vintage vehicles and memorabilia.
The Old Jail Art Center will also welcome guests from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with free admission. In addition to its summer exhibitions and permanent collection, the museum will present a special Tonkawa dance performance on Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 p.m.
The Texas Critter Corral family festival returns to the Old Jail on Saturday, June 28, with crafts, games, and treats for children of all ages.
Visitors can also pick up Fandangle-themed grab-n-go crafts from the craft trunk located just outside the OJAC gates.
For more details, contact the museum at 325-762-2269.
The Shackelford County Courthouse will be open for viewing from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., and the Picket House in the Bank Park will be open from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Longhorns on the Square
From 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., members of the official Texas state longhorn herd will be on display at the north end of the Courthouse Square.
Herd manager Will Cradduck will also showcase several of the animals in the Fandangle Parade, and the rest of the herd can be viewed at the Fort Griffin State Historical Site.
Fandangle Parade – Saturday, June 21
A crowd favorite, the Fandangle Parade will take place Saturday, June 21 at 5:00 p.m.
Downtown streets will come alive with colorful entries, and plaques and cash prizes will be awarded in several categories.
Entry is free. See page 2 of this week’s Albany News for a full feature on parade details.
Shop Downtown
Downtown Albany stores will be open for business, with some retailers offering extended hours.
Several storefronts are decorated with Fandangle memorabilia and historical items to celebrate the season.
Explore Fort Griffin
Located a few miles north of town on US Hwy. 183, Fort Griffin State Historic Site offers visitors a look into frontier life with original ruins, exhibits, and scenic views. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, veterans, teachers, and first responders, and $2 for children ages 6 to 17. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Family admission for two adults and one child is $8, with an additional $1 for each extra child. Special programs are included with general admission.
To learn more or to reserve a camping site, call 325-762-3592.
Whether visitors are here for the Fandangle or just passing through, Albany offers something for all ages to enjoy.
