Every year in Mount Airy, NC, fans of The Andy Griffith Show can return to a simpler time for a few days and enjoy a family friendly festival celebrating the iconic show that starred Andy Griffith and Ron Howard and aired from 1960-1968.
Griffith played Andy Taylor, the widower sheriff of the small, sleepy North Carolina town of Mayberry, and Howard played his son Opie. With virtually no crime to actually solve, the sheriff spent most of his time philosophizing and calming down his cousin, Deputy Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts).
Mayberry Days started in 1990 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Andy Griffith Show. The idea grew at the estate auction of Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee. The first event was only one day, but its popularity has continued to grow, and now it goes on for nearly a week full of family fun.
Special guests who have attended the festival include former cast members, producers, directors, and writers.
This year, fans of the show can once more listen to songs inspired by the show performed by the Bellamy Brothers. Additionally, producer Dick Atkins will return to Mayberry Days for an exclusive screening of the movie Murder in Coweta County starring Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash, along with and behind-the-scenes stories of the making of the film. Author Randy Turner will also offer an extended overview of Don Knott’s career, along with a Q&A — among other nostalgic events. Other special guests include Margaret Teele and Peter Ackerman, the son of Elinor Donahue, who are both attending for the first time.
Mayberry Days runs from Sept. 23-29. Events take place at or around the Andy Griffith Playhouse, in the Historic Earle Theatre, in the Andy Griffith Museum Theatre, at the Blackmon Amphitheater, and inside the new Arts Center. For more details, check out their website.
