The last week of September is a wonderful time to visit Mount Airy, the town that inspired Mayberry on The Andy Griffith Show. Mount Airy more than doubles in size as fans from far and wide come “home” to Mayberry.
This year’s Mayberry Days celebration takes place Sept. 23-29 and is the 30th annual gathering. The week includes appearances by actors from the show, along with other special guests like Don Knotts’ daughter, Karen Knotts. The schedule includes both free and ticketed events.
If you’re a fan of the show, this is a chance to meet stars like Betty Lynn, who played Thelma Lou, or Maggie Mancuso, who played Charlene Darling, or Ron Howard’s brother Clint Howard, who played Leon.
Other special guests slated to appear are Ronnie Schell, who was on two episodes and went on to star in Gomer Pyle, USMC; Margaret Kerry, who played Helen Scobey and Bess Muggins on the show; and Keith Thibodeaux, who appeared on several episodes as Johnny Paul Jason and played Little Ricky on
I Love Lucy.
Ticketed events include a comedy review and tribute to Andy Griffith by Schell; a stage show tribute to her father by Karen Knotts; a concert featuring Rodney Dillard, who was one of the Darling Boys on the show; and a host of other fun activities.
Free events include the Mayberry Days Parade, Mayberry Days Whistling Championship, trivia contests, a pie eating contest and a checkers competition.
All actors will make appearances and sign autographs throughout Mayberry Days.
For Mayberry Days info, call 336-786-7998 or visit
www.MayberryDays.com.
