Do you enjoy historical reenactments? How about musicals? How about both thrown together? If so, you might be Fandangle material.
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Just forty-five miles down the road from where I live in Abilene, TX is the small town of Albany that sprang up near Fort Griffin in 1874. They have a gorgeous courthouse still standing from when it was built in 1883, and the original stone jail that has been turned into an art museum.
They have lots a well-preserved history there in historic buildings, but there is another way that they’ve preseved the history of their area. In an annual outdoor theatrical production called the Fort Griffin Fandangle. The cast is comprised completely of Albany citizens, many of whom are from families who have participated for generations. This year was the 87th annual production.
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I’ve lived in Abilene for more than 30 years, and I’ve never made it to the Fort Griffin Fandangle until this year. Shame on me. Since my next book series is set in Albany, I knew I had to rectify this oversight. So I grabbed my daughter, who happened to be in town, and we made a night of it.
I’ve lived in Abilene for more than 30 years, and I’ve never made it to the Fort Griffin Fandangle until this year. Shame on me. Since my next book series is set in Albany, I knew I had to rectify this oversight. So I grabbed my daughter, who happened to be in town, and we made a night of it.
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The Fandangle started as a senior play written by Robert E. Nail who was the speech teacher at Albany High School in 1938. The original work known as “Dr. Shackleford’s Paradise” (Albany is in Shackleford County) showcased the history of the region and was so well-received that the local Chamber of Commerce decided it should become a community event. It was presented again two months later as the Fort Griffin Fandangle. It has run every year since.The entire cast is comprised of amateur performers, so the singing wasn’t perfect, but the children were adorable, and all of the sets and costumes were super fun.
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My favorite thing about the show, however, was all the horseback riding. Children riding bareback to represent the Comanche history, cowboys and cowgirls carrying flags and banners, women in fancy dresses riding sidesaddle, a horse-drawn carriage, a covered wagon, a chuck wagon, and even the Butterfield stagecoach. They all rode through the staging area! There were even a group of cowboys who drove a herd of longhorns on stage. One of the steers even sang along!
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And for an extra dose of romance, opening night started with an impromptu marriage proposal! The little lady said yes.
Bethany and I had a grand time.
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What special traditions are celebrated by your local community?
