365 First Things: Day 48 -- Ft. Griffin Fandangle

I lived within 50 miles of Albany for 39 years, but only tonight did I make my way to one of the most famous things that goes on there--the Ft. Griffin Fandangle, an outdoor theater production recounting the history of the area. This production is in its 79th year this year and is set out in a cleared pasture area outside of Albany in a great amphitheater. The whole town must show up to help make this production a success--and what fun it was. I was lucky enough to get my oldest nephew to go with me and we had a big time. The introduction to what a fun night it will be is when the old steam calliope kicks off 30 minutes before show times with old time favorite songs like Bicycle Built for Two, You are My Sunshine, Old Susanna and many more. It is ear-splitting loud and perhaps some of the notes were not getting enough steam to them as they appeared to be flat, but it was fun nonetheless!

Steam Calliope

The show traces the beginnings of the area now known as Albany in Shackleford County, but which first was a wilderness full of Indians, settlers and buffalo hunters who came to the area. As the Indians became a threat, a fort was built called Ft. Griffin and it was a rough place. As more settlers came in with families and ranching became a big part of the area, the county seat was changed to the settlement of Albany where it still is today. There were probably 150 participants in the play itself and untold numbers in the background. It was amazing to see a very small town come together as it has for 79 years to share its history and do it as a community. There was no professional acting or singing, just community members and regular day-to-day cowboys entertaining the crowd while showing their pride in their heritage. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Happens in June for two weekends every year. Other activities that the town has during the weekends of the Fandangle are tours of Fort Griffin State Park & Griffin Flats, Old Jail Art Center, BBQ lunch, quilt show, food trucks, Chuck Wagon BBQ before the show, a parade on the first Saturday. Small town Texas at its best--and I'm so glad I got to go with my nephew Philip! It was so great spending time with him.