The Surry Arts Council - Mount Airy, NC

The Surry Arts Council - Mount Airy, NC The Surry Arts Council - Mount Airy, NC The Surry Arts Council - Mount Airy, NC The Surry Arts Council - Mount Airy, NC

Mayberry Days Primer

Annually during the last weekend in September

Mayberry Days is the biggest annual event celebrating The Andy Griffith Show. It has has always been for the fans, but you never know who else will be there, as many stars from the show have been special guests, including George "Goober" Lindsey, TAGS Associate Producer and Andy Griffith's business manager, Richard O. Linke and his wife Betina, Maggie Peterson-Mancuso (Charlene Darling), Elinor Donahue (Ellie Walker), George Spence (Frank), Doug Dillard (Jebbin/Doug Darling), Rodney Dillard (Rodney Darling), LeRoy McNees (the Country Boys), Howard Morris (Ernest T. Bass), Jackie Joseph (Sweet Romena), Billy Ray Lathum (the Country Boys), James Best (Jim Lindsey), and Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou). It is held annually during the last full weekend of September to commemorate the anniversary of the premier of The Andy Griffith Show on October 3, 1960.

The festival first started as a one day event in 1990 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the show. Since then it will has grown into more than four full days (and we mean full! ) that brings thousands of friends and fans in from all over - California to Florida to Ontario, Canada and beyond. The days are filled with family friendly events with music, reruns, trivia contests, kids games, food, a parade, concerts, a talent show, and best of all, the opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones. Check out the photo galleries for pictures from previous year's Mayberry Days and see all the fun.

The following is a basic description of events and items of interest during Mayberry Days. You can maximize your weekend by checking the schedule and ordering your tickets early. Events takes place at various locations throughout Mount Airy, but almost everything is within walking distance and are scheduled to minimize conflicts so you don't miss a minute of fun.

Event	Description
Mayberry Confidential	This free newspaper is published for each year's Mayberry Days. It has schedules, maps, articles, history, and stories of local interest. Made available at locations throughout Mount Airy. Look for it in .pdf format on the website in September. Non-ticketed event locations do change from year to year, but the Confidential will always have the latest information.
Mayberry Days Golf Tournament	Held at the Cross Creek Country Club on Thursday. This is a "Sheriff's Choice" best ball tournament with the winning team scoring 10-12 under par some years. Refreshments and entertainment provided along the course and an awards ceremony and banquet follows the golf. Hole sponsorships are available.
Country Buffet Dinner & Entertainment	You may not be a golfer, but you can still enjoy a good country-style meal and entertainment after the tournament. This is your first chance to meet the special guests and tribute artists - they're are all at Cross Creek Country Club ready for an evening of fun and laughs. This is a good tour group event with a buffet style dinner and seating for all. It is also one of the best opportunities to meet the stars without the long lines on Saturday.
Blackmon Amphitheatre	Just across Rockford Street from the Andy Griffith Playhouse. It is non-stop entertainment during the festival with free live entertainment. Food and drink vendors are located around the perimeter to feed your hungry buzzards. This venue also hosts the trivia contests, Mayors Proclamation, games, and the Mayberry Days Chapel on Sunday morning.
Mayor's Proclamation	Mayberry Days officially begins on Friday morning when Mount Airy's Mayor and other distinguished guests gather at the Blackmon Amphitheatre to recognize this annual event.
Mrs. Wiley's Tea Party	"No coffee, tea, or punch, thank you." Join Oliver Gossage / Ernest T. Bass and other guests for some sweet tea and spicy talk with refreshements and musical entertainment. A few of the Guest Stars usually stop by and it is a perfect opportunity to meet them and get their autographs. Locations vary each year.
Mayberry Days Trivia	If you think you know TAGS, put your knowledge to the test with trivia questions created by the Alabama TAGSRWC Chapter "Hearty Eatin' Men and Beautiful Delicate Women." Purchase a Mayberry fan for and earn stickers for knowing the right answers. This is an exciting (and humbling) experience for most fans. TAGSRWC Chapter "The Creatsters" also host a children's trivia contest each year. Prizes are awarded to the top finishers in both adult and children's contests.
The Dillards Concert	Doug & Rodney Dillard appeared in The Andy Griffith Show as the Darling boys, part of the mountain family that came in to visit Mayberry. Doug has played at every Mayberry Days, showcasing his talents as one of the finest banjo pickers in the world. Rodney and Doug's talented band varies from year to year and has included Ginger Boatright and local fiddle champion, Jimmy Vipperman, and Roger Rasnake. There are two shows on Friday - don't miss your chance to see these bluegrass legends perform live on stage at the Andy Griffith Playhouse.
The VW Boys	The VW Boys - "We're Here to Pick!" Tim White, Larry McPeak, and Dave Vaught bring their musical - magical - comedy act to Mayberry Days for an entertaining show of bluegrass & gospel music, sleight-of-hand magic, and offbeat humor that will bring a smile to your face and your heart. This show is Friday evening after the Dillards concert.
Mayberry Days Parade	Saturday's events begin with the big parade down Main Street. If it is Mayberry, it is there - from the Pickle Queen to squad cars, marching bands to a horse that gives milk. Any one is welcome to be a part of the parade and chapters are encouraged to show their spirit by marching along. Parade tip: views are much better further up Main Street where the crowds are smaller.
WBMUTBB Silent Auction	"Who's Been Messing Up The Bulletin Board?" is the largest TAGSRWC Chapter with over 1500 members worldwide on the internet. As a community service project to support Surry Arts, they have a silent auction of hand crafted TAGS items, memorabilia, autographed items and other show related items on Saturday morning. The auction table is set up on the grounds in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse and bidding ends at noon. You must be present to claim your bid.
Pickleland - Children's Games	On the grounds of the Andy Griffith Playhouse you'll find lots of games and activities for the kids. Everything from Ernest T's rock throw to Opie's fishin' hole. It's just good family fun!
Horseshoe Pitching	This is another fun event is hosted by the trivia kings of the "Creachters" TAGSRWC Chapter. Look for them behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse on Saturday and tell them Henry Bennett sent you.
Colonel Tim's Matinee	Saturday afternoon at the Andy Griffith Playhouse is the setting for a variety show that rivals the prime time version of Colonel Tim's Talent Time! Performances and appearances from the Special Guests plus local talent and the tribute artists. If Colonel Tim's Talent Time sells out, you can still see some great entertainment on Saturday afternoon.
Professor Brower's Lecture	Asheboro, NC native, Neal Brower is author of the book "Mayberry 101" and was a regular contributor to The Bullet, The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC) newsletter. His lectures at the Downtown Cinema focus on the behind the scenes aspects of TAGS with insight from the writers, directors, and other production people involved with the show.
TAGSRWC Meeting	"Presiding Goober", Jim Clark, gives his state of address for the club with the latest news, chapter statistics, cast updates, and the "Mayberry Friendship" award is presented to an outstanding Mayberry Fan. Chapters are invited to share their news from the previous year so you can see what is going on in their world as well. You do not have to be a TAGSRWC member to attend.
Colonel Tim's Talent Time	Saturday night's events has in recent years become the highlight of the entire weekend. Fashioned after the talent show in an episode of TAGS, Col. Tim's is a full evening of music, comedy, dance, and audience fun for the entire family. This event requires an advanced purchase ticket, as it sells out each year. Entertainment from the Guest Stars, tribute artists, and local talent provides some of the best Mayberry Days memories.
Pork Chop Eating Contest	If you are feeling extra hungry and think you can eat more world famous pork chop sandwiches than anyone at Mayberry Days, bring your appetite to Snappy Lunch during Mayberry Days. Contest is Saturday afternoon inside the restaurant.
Andy Griffith Playhouse	Home to the Surry Arts Council, it is main hub of activity during the festival. Ticket sales and information are set up out front under the tent out front. On the grounds during the festival weekend are the autograph sessions, Silent Auction, Bake Sale, Pickle Land, Checkers, and the TV Land statue of Andy and Opie.
Robert Smith House & Gardens	The former location of the Visitors Center at 615 North Main Street, just up from downtown, is still home to the best hospitality in town. View extensive exhibits on Mount Airy native Donna Fargo, wood carvings from the NC Champion Linden Basswood tree, and displays on Eng and Chang Bunker, the original Siamese Twins. The gardens behind the home create an oasis from the heat and humanity of the festival and provide a great place to slow down and relax in the shade.
Mount Airy Visitors Center	Currently located at 200 N. Main Street (under the big clock) with the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. Your best stop for information on the area and region.
Downtown Cinema Theatre	The Surry Arts Council theatre is on Main Street across from Snappy Lunch and Floyd's City Barbershop. When there is not a scheduled event inside, there will be free showings of TAGS Reruns and Andy Griffith movies, plus the weekly Jam Session and Merry-Go-Round live radio show on Saturday morning.
Mayberry Days Postmarks	Each year, the United States Postal Service authorizes an official postmark for Mayberry Days. Send a postcard to the folks back home with a special cancellation or add to your collection. Available during normal postal hours during Mayberry Days and through the Mount Airy Postmaster for 30 days following.