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Mayberry Days
Downtown Mount Airy, Andy Griffith Playhouse
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Toll Free Phone: 800-286-6193
Local Phone: 336-786-7998
Email: tanya@trificient.net
Web Site: www.mayberrydays.org

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20th Annual MAYBERRY DAYS
Thursday - Sunday, September 24-27, 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mayberry Days is the annual festival of the Surry Arts Council that brings fans and
friends from all over the county together in Andy Griffith's hometown of Mount Airy,
North Carolina. This year's special events are described below, along with all the
traditional events in the Mayberry Days Primer.

Many thanks to all our 2008 special guests:

Betty Lynn - Thelma Lou Doug & Rodney Dillard - The Darling Boys
LeRoy McNees - Mayberry on Record James Best - Jim Lindsey
Jackie Joseph - "Sweet Romena" David Morris - Son of Howard "Ernest T." Morris
Maggie Peterson - Charlene Darling George Spence - Frank the Fiance

Mayberry Days is a festival for the whole family with activities and events for the fans to those who long for the days when life was simple and the Sheriff didn't carry a gun. Enjoy a bottle of pop while playing checkers, relax to music from many local bands playing the same songs that Andy grew up with in Mount Airy and be sure to get your picture with the TV Land statue of Andy & Opie. There is so much to do during the festival, but there is always time to slow down and enjoy what Mayberry means to you.


Shop online or in Mount Airy at Weaver's store
on the third floor of the Main-Oak Emporium

2009 Mayberry Days Tickets currently available
PURCHASE ONLINE 
or by phone at 336/786-7998 or 800-286-6193

Golf Tournament, Dinner and Entertainment Cross Creek Country Club Sept 24
12:00 pm
$95
Post Tournament Dinner and Entertainment Cross Creek Country Club Sept 24
5:00 pm
$40
Jim Quick & The Coastline Band  Concert Blackmon Amphitheatre Sept 24
8:00 pm
$15
The Dillards Matinee Concert Andy Griffith Playhouse Sept 25
3:00 pm
$25
The Dillards Evening Concert  Andy Griffith Playhouse Sept 25
7:00 pm
$25
VW Boys "Salute To Mayberry" Downtown Cinema Theatre Sept 25
9:30 pm
$10
Professor Brower's Lecture /
TAGSRWC Meeting
Downtown Cinema Theatre Sept 26
2:00 pm
$7
Colonel Tim's Talent Time Matinee Andy Griffith Playhouse Sept 26
2:30 pm
$25
Michael Hoover's "Memories of Elvis" Downtown Cinema Theatre Sept 26
7:00 pm
$15/$20
Colonel Tim's Talent Time Andy Griffith Playhouse Sept 26
7:30 pm
$25

Locations and times are subject to change
All ticket sales are non-refundable


 
Tickets for all events are now available - don't let them sell out before you get yours! Order now by calling SAC or online with our secure server. Also, many hotels fill up - for area accommodations, please visit the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce website at www.visitmayberry.com.

Mayberry Days events take place in locations around Mount Airy, with the Andy Griffith Playhouse and Blackmon Amphitheatre being the hubs of activity. Most everything is within walking distance, so no need to worry about gas prices once you get to town. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes (the festival goes on, rain or shine). There is free parking in the numerous municipal lots downtown.

For driving direction from your hometown to the Andy Griffith Playhouse, click here.

Each year, there are different events and new people that help us, so Mayberry Days is ever evolving. If you have any suggestions or would like to help out, please let us know with an email or through the website feedback page.


Elizabeth MacRea has some fun with the Mount Airy police


2008 Mayberry Confidential

The Mayberry Confidential is the official newspaper of The Surry Arts Council and your guide to all that is Mayberry Days and other great events during the calendar year. The 2008 edition is now  online  for download. Copies are still available at shops, restaurants, and hotels throughout Mount Airy while they last.



Mayberry Days' Favorite Barber & Deputy

Tribute artists Allan Newsome and David Browning return to Mayberry Days as Floyd the Barber and The Mayberry Deputy. These talented entertainers are two of the biggest reasons Mayberry Days is as much fun as it is. You will see them, as well as many other tribute artists, at many of the events as well as running around the Andy Griffith Playhouse.



Mayberry Days Golf Tournament

Thursday at 12:00 p.m.
Cross Creek Country Club

$95 per golfer
Includes green & cart fees, awards banquet and entertainment


Mayberry Days starts off at Cross Creek with the Mayberry Deputy reviewing the rules for this "Sheriff's Choice" tournament. The shotgun (or blue steel baby) start is at 12:30 p.m. Hole sponsors add something special to each hole and Special guests and tribute artists move about the course with refreshments and good times. Teams compete for trophies and awards. As an added bonus, golfers have priority seating at the dinner and entertainment following the tournament. 

If you order online for your team, you can leave a comment with your team name and members. Individuals or pairs are welcome to golf and will be assigned to a team before the tournament.  



Golf Buffet Dinner and Entertainment

Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
Cross Creek Country Club

$40 per person
Includes country buffet dinner, golf awards presentation 
and entertainment from the special guests and tribute artists

The stars come out for a big evening of fun after the golf tournament. This is your first chance to meet most all of the special guests and enjoy a night of music, laughter and good times. The event starts off with some good country cooking in the buffet line and just gets better from there. Be sure to wear your orange and blue and be ready to be entertained by the stars of The Andy Griffith Show.

Autograph session with the special guests from 5:00-6:30 pm. Avoid the long lines on Saturday! (Note: Some guests may charge a nominal fee for autographs during the festival)

The country buffet meal will be served from 5:00-7:00 pm.

David Browning, The Mayberry Deputy hosts the evening of golf awards and entertainment from 6:30-8:00 pm.



Jim Quick and The Coastline Band
Carolina Beach Music and Dance

Thursday at 8:00 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre

Ticket $15
(Sold in advance or at the gate)


No time to tear up newspaper into strips or work on that ship in a bottle - the beach is coming to Mount Airy and it is dance time in Mayberry!  Bring your dancin' shoes and enjoy a great evening of beach music.

Seating at the Amphitheatre is open, so you can sit anywhere. Some chairs are availble, but we always leave room to dance! Bring a blanket for the lawn or bring your own chair and enjoy the show in a relaxed setting.



The Dillards

Two great shows on Friday

3:00 pm Matinee
Andy Griffith Playhouse
Tickets $25
7:00 pm Evening
Andy Griffith Playhouse
Tickets $25

From the Byrds to Arlo Guthrie to Earl Scruggs and dozens of recordings with the Dillards, Doug Dillard has become a major force in bluegrass music. For over forty years, this virtuoso banjo picker has toured the world, worked on feature films like Bonnie and Clyde, and thrilled television audiences with his appearances on The Andy Griffith Show. In the words of Mitch Jayne: this is 'what banjo picking is all about'.

Together with his brother Rodney Dillard, they're all keyed up about performing another year at Mayberry Days. Having performed around the world, Rodney and his wife Beverly Cotton Dillard understand the importance and values of family entertainment. Don't miss your chance to see all these great entertainers during Mayberry Days and you too will wish that life was like the Andy Griffith Show. 

 


Many thanks to the Chamber Chicks for hosting the Tea Party in 2008. 

The Chamber can also provide you with information about the area - holler at them any time at 800-948-0949 or 336-786-6116. 

 


Meet & Greet / Autographs
The cast members and special guest will be at various locations as a group or individuals during the festival to share their experience on The Andy Griffith Show, sign autographs, take photos and visit. See schedule for times and locations, including Cross Creek Country Club on Thursday, the Betty Lynn Gallery, downstairs of the Andy Griffith Playhouse on Friday, and portico of the Andy Griffith Playhouse on Saturday.

Note: A nominal fee may be charged for photos or autographs, but a smile and visit are always free!



Let the Mayberry Games Begin!!

Many fans enjoy the peace and quiet of Mayberry Days, but for those of you who like the thrill of victory, we have events for you too!

"Chester Jones" 
Checkers Tournament
Sponsored by the 
"Mayberry" Chapter of Knoxville TN

Friday & Saturday
12 Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Granite checker tables outside at Andy Griffith Playhouse

Challenge friends and family and try to beat George, Bertha or Dennis to become the 2008 checker champion of Mayberry Days. Register at the Information Station with a $2 entree fee for a chance to win this year's trophy (awarded at the TAGRWC meeting). Winner from Friday and Saturday's tournament will meet for the championship on Saturday at 1:30 pm.

 

Creatsters Horseshoes Tournament
Sponsored by the 
"She Called Me A Creatster" Chapter

Friday & Saturday
12 Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Horseshoe Pits behind the 
Andy Griffith Playhouse

The tradition continues with the annual horseshoe pitching tournament hosted by the Creatsters from Tullahoma, TN. The Mayberry Honor System prevails! The horseshoe pits are in a shady spot directly behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse and all you have to do is find it to join in the fun. The winning team is awarded a trophy and bragging rights for the year. Again, you'll want to watch out for Henry Bennett!

 

Pork Chop Sandwich
Eating Contest

Ages 18 and Over

Saturday at 1:15 p.m.

Snappy Lunch
Downtown Mount Airy

If you are feeling extra hungry and think you can eat world famous pork chop sandwiches faster than anyone at Mayberry Days, be sure to be one of the first 8 contestants to sign up and then bring your appetite to Snappy Lunch on Saturday at 1:00 pm. Mary Dowell will officiate the event (obey all rules) to see who can eat more sandwiches ("all the way") in 15 minutes. As Olive says, "Does my heart good to see a thin person eat."

 

Mr. Tucker Apple Peeling Contest Friday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Andy Griffith Playhouse
(at Bake Sale table)


Remember the TAGS episode "Man in a Hurry" when Andy peels an apple without breaking the peel? If you have a steady hand and keen eye, you can sign up at the Information Station and get your apple and peeler to try for the longest continuous peel during the festival. There is no time limit, but if you start, but sure to finish before you take a nap in the rocking chair.

 

Pie Eating Contest

Friday 
3:00 p.m.

Andy Griffith Playhouse


Still hungry after competing in the pork chop sandwich eating contest? Drew Joyner and the Ph Nu TAGSRWC Chapter lead this speed contest featuring Aunt Bee's Crustless Cream Pies with the fastest eaters awarded special prizes awarded by special guests Jackie Joeseph, David Morris and Michael Hoover.

Register at the Information Station before 2:30 pm on Friday ($2 entree fee) to compete. Three levels of competition - Youth ages 12 and under, Teen ages 13-17 and Adult ages 18 and over. This is an exciting event for the whole family!

 

Mayberry Days Trivia Contests

Hosted by the "Hearty Eatin' Men, Beautiful Delicate Women" Chapter and the "She Called Me a Creatster" Chapter

Friday 
Children at 3:30 pm
Adult at 4:30 pm


Do you remember the name of the English "Gentleman's Gentleman" who came through Mayberry on his bicycle? Where did he find Andy's long-missing police cap? If you could answer the first one, that is a typical question for the children. The second one is just sample of the memory challenge for the Adults. The "Hearty Eatin' Men and Beautiful, Delicate Women" TAGSRWC Chapter challenge all ages at the the annual Mayberry Days TAGS trivia contests. If you think you know TAGS, join the fun and purchase a collectible "Trivia Fan" for $2 at the Information Station, then collect stickers for each correct answers. 

Compete against the King and Queen of Mayberry Trivia and have a great time during this annual event.


Trivia Champion Pat Bullens always wearing her lucky red!

 


The VW Boys Salute to Mayberry

We're Here to Pick!

"We're Here to Pick"

Friday at 9:30 pm
Downtown Cinema Theatre

Reserved or Balcony Tickets $10

Surry Arts is excited to announce the return of the VW Boys. They always put on a great concert and you'll also be entertained by various tribute artists on stage. The VW Boys bring their blend of "music - comedy - magic" to the Downtown Cinema Stage on Friday night. Join Tim White, Dave Vaught, Larry McPeak for a fun evening that will make you laugh, sing, and be amazed at the sleight-of-hand magic. If you've never seen them perform, plan to come to Mount Airy Friday and prepare yourself for a fun evening.



Mayberry Days Family Entertainment

Opie's Playground

Friday & Saturday
Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to Dark
Blackmon Amphitheatre Grounds

Fun activities for kids of all ages! 

Little Blue Choo Choo

Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Andy Griffith Playhouse Parking Lot

"Discover the Loop" on the Little Blue Choo Choo as it chugs around Mount Airy. Take a rest in this open air train and enjoy the cool wind in your face and see more of American's favorite southern hometown on your ride.

Tickets are available at the "train station" in the AGP parking lot, where the ride begins and ends.

Aunt Bee's Bake Sale
Pickleland

Friday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Andy Griffith Playhouse grounds

Also look for Pickleland with Ernest T. Rock throwing, pickle games and more! At a perfect location when you get that sinking spell and need a "sugar pick me up" - be sure to stop by the bake sale and purchase one of the many homemade goodies available from local arts volunteers.



WBMUTBB Silent Auction
"Who's Been Messing Up The Bulletin Board?"
TAGSRWC Internet Chapter's annual event

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Andy Griffith Playhouse
(at the marquee in front)

Bidding at the Silent Auction

Unique Mayberry items including autographed memorabilia and handcrafted items from members of the WBMUTBB online chapter of TAGSRWC are always a part of the auction. Stop by and see things that are not available anywhere else and take home a one-of-kind Mayberry item!

Auction items are set up after the parade ends and bidding continues until noon. Volunteers are available to help throughout the auction and you must be present at Noon to claim your high bid and purchase your item. All proceeds from the annual service project go to the Surry Arts Council to help with the festival.

Any Mayberry related donations are welcomed. For more information or to volunteer for the silent auction please send us an email.



Professor Brower's Lecture/
TAGSRWC Meeting

Saturday at 2:00 pm
Downtown Cinema Theatre

$7 General Admission tickets

Join Neal Brower for another fascinating lecture where he shares insights and knowledge of the Andy Griffith Show through clips from the series and stories from the people who make the show happen. 

The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club meeting will follow afterwards. Hear the year in review and what is in store for the upcoming year from the "Presiding Goober" and founding member of the club, Jim Clark. You also have the opportunity to share what your chapter has been doing and other interesting trivial triviality with other members. Floyd and Otis will be awarding trophies to the contest winners.

Neal Brower is the author of Mayberry 101 and taught The Andy Griffith Show class at Community Colleges throughout North Carolina for many years. His lecture during Mayberry Days shares insights and behind the scenes information about The Andy Griffith Show with stories from the writers and actors.

Jim Clark is a free lance writer from Nashville, TN and author of many books, including The Mayberry Cookbook and many other Mayberry related books.



Colonel Tim's Matinee

Saturday at 2:30 pm
The Andy Griffith Playhouse

Reserved Seat Tickets $25

Colonel Tim's Talent Time sells out every year, but you can see many of the same acts, plus more at the Matinee. Master of ceremonies, David Browning The Mayberry Deputy and his partner Allan "Floyd" Newsome welcome a host of talent on Saturday afternoon. If you were not able to get tickets for Colonel Tim's on Saturday night, this is a great show that afternoon!




Colonel Tim's Talent Time

Saturday at 7:00 pm
Andy Griffith Playhouse

Reserved Seat Tickets $25

Join host David Browning, The Mayberry Deputy, along with Allan Newsome, Floyd the Barber and other tribute artists for an evening of Mayberry fun and entertainment at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. See performances from the guest stars, along with local and national talent. You never know what might happen or who will be on stage next! 



Michael Hoover "Memories of Elvis"

  Saturday at 7:00 pm
Downtown Cinema Theatre
Tickets $15 Balcony / $20 Reseved Orchestra

Click on 
      
 photo to visit his website

Michael Hoover returns to Mayberry Days with another spectacular evening of music and memories of Elvis Presley. You'll hear all the favorites from Elvis' favorite gospel songs to the hits that made him the King of Rock-n-Roll. Even the Mayberry Tribute Artists will be a part of the show to bring a laugh and join in the fun times. Don't miss this exciting show and see why Michael Hoover is one of the finest entertainers in the business.


Mayberry Days Chapel

Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Blackmon Amphitheatre

Jan and LeRoy McNees lead this non-denominational service on Sunday morning at the Blackmon Amphitheatre with readings from David Browning and special music by Michael Hoover.  It is open to everyone, so come as you are for some inspiring music and words just like the songs and lessons that are a part of every TAGS episode. The perfect way to start the final day of the festival and carry that good feeling home with you and throughout the year. 

In case of rain, the service will be held inside the Andy Griffith Playhouse.



Mayberry Days Thank You to...

Sagebrush Steakhouse
2000 Woodland Drive, just off the Andy Griffith Parkway

Look for the Sagebrush employees customized official Mayberry Days tee shirts!

Sagebrush Steakhouse - 2000 Woodland Drive, just off Andy Griffith Parkway



Other "Don't Miss" Mayberry Days Activities

WHAT WHERE WHEN
Andy Griffith Memorabilia Collection (Emmett will be there at select times) Downstairs of the Andy Griffith Playhouse ($3)  Wed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Mayberry Days Postmarks Mount Airy Post Office Downtown Available thru October 24
Visitors Center 200 North Main Street Times Vary
Bluegrass Jam (bring your instrument and play along!) Andy Griffith Playhouse Thurs 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mayor's Proclamation Blackmon Amphitheatre Friday 11:00 am
Mayberry Days Parade Main Street to Playhouse Saturday 9:00 am
Bluegrass Jam  Downtown Cinema Sat 9:00 am - 11:00 am


 



Mayberry "Idle"

Saturday 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Blackmon Amphitheatre


Do you want to be a star at Mayberry Days? Mayberry "Idle" is a talent contest at a much slower pace with your chance to perform to the crowd at the Blackmon Amphitheatre. Winners will perform at Colonel Tim's on Saturday night! Space is limited for performers and sign up begins on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. at the Information Station in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse.



11th Annual Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off

Friday
5:30-6:00 pm Chief Cooks Meeting
8:00 pm Showmanship Judging (all welcome)
8:30 pm Arrival of the Pigs!

Back for another year of great food and fun, it is the Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off. Starting on Friday night, cookers from all over the Southeast will be tending the fires to create some of the best tasting NC barbecue this side of Mount Pilot. Barbecue judging is Saturday morning. Winners will be announced on stage at the Blackmon Amphitheatre at 11:00 a.m. Sandwiches and 1-lb containers of barbecue go on sale around 10:00am on Saturday and always sell out, so call to reserve your barbecue beforehand.

FRESH BARBECUE SALE BEGINS AT 10 a.m. on Saturday
Sandwiches $5
1 lb Containers $10 (pre-sale tickets only)

Interested in competing? The Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off page has everything you need. Win your share of $1000 in cash and prizes!




Mayberry Days Sponsorship Opportunities

If you or your company would like to show your support of Surry Arts and Mayberry Days, here is your chance to sponsor different events or advertise in the Mayberry Confidential. For additional information, you download information here and email us with any questions.

 


Golf Hole Sponsorship $50
Barbecue Cook-off Sponsor $200
Mayberry Confidential Ad (business card size) $100


Mayberry Days Vending Space Opportunities

If you have Mayberry related items you would like to sell during Mayberry Days, a limited number of spaces are available at the Andy Griffith Playhouse and Blackmon Amphitheatre. Daily rates for an 10'x10' maximum space are available. Please contact Surry Arts Council to reserve your space or for additional information. Phone 336/786-7998, or you can send an email.





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