The thunderstorm that produced a spectacular light show across the night sky last Saturday produced very little rain in the immediate area, but has been blamed for igniting at least six grass fires in Shackelford County.

Merrick Davis Fire

The first wildfire was reported to the Shackelford County Rural Fire Department soon after sunset on June 23, according to chief Brad Henry.

The final two performances of the 2018 Fort Griffin Fandangle will take place this weekend, wrapping up the 80th anniversary edition of the show.

Good seats are still available for both of the final two shows including a very limited number of box seats as of Monday evening.

“The stands were full Saturday and we are anticipating a lot of ticket sales this week,” said artistic director Lorna Ayers.

Review

Sixty-four entries, including floats, antique vehicles, wagons, horses and riders, fire trucks, and longhorns braved temperatures in the triple digits last Saturday afternoon to take part in the 2018 Fort Griffin Fandangle Parade.

Some of the horse-drawn wagons and old cars only went through town once, and then opted to drop out because of the heat, and the blacksmith shop/horseshoeing float pulled out because of hitch problems.

Parade Lineup

The parade was led down Main Street by Louann George playing the calliope, a Fandangle parade tradition.

The deadline for next week’s issue of The Albany News has been moved up by one full day because of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

News publisher Donnie Lucas has set the deadline for 12:00 noon on Monday, July 2 for news articles, classified ads, and display ads.

“If you can get them to us before that time, even on Friday, we would appreciate it,” he said.

The July 5 edition will be printed as usual on Wednesday night and delivered on Thursday morning, Lucas said.

The annual Fandangle Pet Parade will take place near the Picket House at the Bank Park at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29 (tomorrow), and everyone is invited to bring their favorite pet to the parade and compete for prizes in several categories.

Along with a Best in Show, winners will be named in Swimsuit, Best Costume Duo (of either two pets or one pet and their owner).

Also selected will be Most Creative Costume, Most Unique Pet, Best Celebrity Look-a-like, and Best Wild West Costume.

By Kathy Thomson

Several activities are planned for this Friday and Saturday, offering an assortment of entertainment options during the day, and of course, the final two performances of the 2018 Fort Griffin Fandangle will take center stage at the Prairie Theater both evenings.

Kids Corral

The shade of the Bank Park will be the site of a Kids Corral full of activities for children on Saturday, June 30, from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m.

Native Americans will don brightly colored outfits inspired from those worn by their tribal ancestors and entertain visitors at the Old Jail Art Center this Saturday, June 30, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. with music, dancing, and story-telling. 

“Enrich your exploration of Texas history through a celebration of Native American cultures,” invited educational director Erin Whitmore. “Bring the whole family for this entertaining and educational experience!” 

The event will take place in the Marshall R. Young Sculpture Courtyard at The Old Jail.

Tickets are still available for a local quilt raffle, and the quilt remains on display, with many other local fabric treasures, at the annual quilt show inside the Whitney Theatre.

This year’s Study Club raffle quilt has 20 blocks, each containing a western themed black silhouette centered in various colored sunset skies.

Hours for the free quilt show are 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30.

McLennan Jones is the last of several Albany Life Scouts who have recently worked to complete the requirements to achieve the Eagle Scout award, the highest award available through the Boy Scouts of America organization.

To be eligible to apply for the Eagle Scout award, a Life Scout must have earned at least 21 total merit badges, served in a leadership role in their Scout troop, taken part in a unit leader conference, and completed a service project.

Jones joined Scouting in the first grade, as a Cub Scout in Albany.