19th Annual MAYBERRY DAYS
Thursday - Sunday, September 25-28, 2008 |
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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.
We are very pleased that Francey Knotts, wife of the late Don Knotts, will be attending Mayberry Days this year.
Other very special guests scheduled to return this year include:
| 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 Fiancé |
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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.
The Mayberry Days Information Station will be set up on the grounds of the Andy Griffith Playhouse all day Friday and Saturday to assist you with:
- Festival Information & Tickets
- Mayberry Days Tee Shirt sales
- Ernest T. hat sales
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- Contest Entries
- Trivia Fans
- SAC Cookbooks
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Shop online or in Mount Airy at Weaver's store
on the third floor of the Main-Oak Emporium
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2008 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 25
12:00 pm |
$95 |
| Post Tournament Dinner and Entertainment |
Cross Creek Country Club |
Sept 25
5:00 pm |
$40 |
| The Embers Concert/Dance |
Blackmon Amphitheatre |
Sept 25
8:00 pm |
$15 |
| The Dillards Matinee Concert |
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
Sept 26
3:00 pm |
$25 |
| Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press |
Downtown Cinema Theatre |
Sept 26
7:00 pm |
$25/$20 |
| The Dillards Evening Concert |
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
Sept 26
7:00 pm |
$25 |
| Jeff & Sherri Easter in Concert |
Blackmon Amphitheatre |
Sept 26
7:30 pm |
$15 |
| VW Boys "Salute To Mayberry" |
Downtown Cinema Theatre |
Sept 26
9:30 pm |
$10 |
| Mayberry Days Barbecue Sales (Sandwiches/lbs) |
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
Sept 27
10:00 am |
$5/$8 |
Professor Brower's Lecture /
TAGSRWC Meeting |
Downtown Cinema Theatre |
Sept 27
2:00 pm |
$7 |
| Colonel Tim's Talent Time Matinee |
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
Sept 27
2:30 pm |
$25 |
| Michael Hoover's "Memories of Elvis" |
Downtown Cinema Theatre |
Sept 27
7:00 pm |
$15/$20 |
| Colonel Tim's Talent Time Evening |
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
Sept 27
7:30 pm |
$25 |
| Jeff & Sheri Easter "Homecoming" with The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers |
Blackmon Amphitheatre |
Sept 27
7:30 pm |
$25 |
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Locations and times are subject to change. | |
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Festival Sponsorship opportunities are available
Download information here |
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
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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 2007 edition is still available at shops, restaurants, and hotels throughout Mount Airy. |
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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.
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Mayberry Days Golf Tournament
Thursday, September 25, 2008 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.
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Golf Buffet Dinner and Entertainment
Thursday, September 25, 2008 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 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.
Meet the special guests at Cross Creek from 6-7pm and avoid the long autograph lines on Saturday! (Note: Some guests may charge a nominal fee for autographs during the festival)
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The Embers
Carolina Beach Music and Dance
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Blackmon Amphitheatre
8:00 pm
Ticket $15
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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! The Embers will be in town for the fun this year getting Mayberry Days off to a great start on Thursday night. Bring your dancin' shoes and enjoy a great evening of beach music.
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The Dillards
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Two great shows on
Friday, September 26, 2008 |
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.
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Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press
Friday, September 26, 2008
Downtown Cinema Theatre
7:00 pm
Tickets $25 Reserved Seats & $20 Balcony
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Another legend in bluegrass music is also performing at Mayberry Days. IMBA Hall of Honor member Bobby Osborne is bringing his hot band of outstanding musicians back to Mount Airy. Performing under the stars at the Downtown Cinema.
Bobby Osborne Website |
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Friday, September 26th at 7:30 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
Tickets $15
Join Dove Award winners Jeff and Sheri Easter for another special concert during Mayberry Days at the Blackmon Amphitheatre.
Mrs. Wiley's Tea Party
"No Coffee, Tea or Punch, Thank You."
Friday, September 26, 2008
12 noon - 2:00 pm
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Refreshments and entertainment are just part of the fun at Mrs. Wiley's. You are welcome to join at any time. Meet special guests before the long lines on Saturday!
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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.
Note: A nominal fee may be charged for photos or autographs, but a smile and visit are always free!
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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!
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"Chester Jones"
Checkers Tournament
Sponsored by the
"Mayberry" Chapter of Knoxville TN |
Friday & Saturday
12 Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Granite checker tables outside at Andy Griffith Playhouse |
| Challenge friends and family to become checker champion of Mayberry Days. Register at the Information Station with a $2 entree fee for a chance to win this year's trophy. |
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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 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 |
Friday & Saturday
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Snappy Lunch
Downtown Mount Airy |
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If you are feeling extra hungry and think you can eat more world famous pork chop sandwiches than anyone at Mayberry Days this year, bring your appetite to Snappy Lunch on Friday or Saturday. Just let them know you are entering the contest and a "pork chop proctor" will explain the rules and observe your attempt at immortality by beating the record of seven sandwiches in one sitting. Special recognition (and an extra napkin) at the TAGSRWC meeting on Saturday. |
| Mr. Tucker Apple Peeling Contest |
Friday & Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
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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.
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Pie Eating Contest |
Friday
3:00 p.m.
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
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Still hungry after competing in the pork chop sandwich eating contest? Drew Joyner leads this speed contest features Aunt Bee's Crustless Cream Pies with the fastest eaters awarded special prizes awarded by special guests.
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! |
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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 4:00 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre |
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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 asked by the "She Called Me a Creatster" TAGSRWC Chapter. The second one is just sample of the memory challenge that the "Hearty Eatin' Men and Beautiful Delicate Women" TAGSRWC Chapter ask for the annual trivia contest during the festival. If you think you know TAGS, join the fun and purchase a collectible "Ernest T. 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!
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The VW Boys Salute to Mayberry
"We're Here to Pick"
Friday, September 26, 2008 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.
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Mayberry Days Family Entertainment
Opie's Spring Street Playground
Friday & Saturday
8:30 a.m. to Dark
Blackmon Amphitheatre Grounds
Pony Rides, Vendors, fun activities for the kids. Take time to color a Sagebrush picture or make a "Goober's Tambourine" and get a Free Kid's (Meal) Card from Sagebrush!
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| Little Blue Choo Choo
Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 10 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. |
PickleLand
Sponsored by Mount Olive Pickles
Friday 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Andy Griffith Playhouse Bake Sale Area
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 the SAC Service Guild. |
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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) |
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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.
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Professor Brower's Lecture/
TAGSRWC Meeting
Saturday, September 27, 2008 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.
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.
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Colonel Tim's Matinee
Saturday, September 27, 2008 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!
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Colonel Tim's Talent Time
Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 7:00 pm
Andy Griffith Playhouse
Reserved Seat Tickets $25
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| 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!
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Jeff & Sheri Easter - - The Lewis Family - - The Easter Brothers
Saturday, September 27th at 7:30 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
Tickets $25
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The Lewis Family
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The Easter Brothers
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Jeff & Sheri Easter
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It's a big night of gospel and bluegrass with three bands performing on Saturday night during Mayberry Days. Jeff and Sheri Easter return for another show along with America's First Family of Bluegrass Gospel Music, The Lewis Family, and The Easter Brothers for a special concert at the Blackmon Amphitheatre. Congratulations on their new release "We Are Family" and its nomination for 2008 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year!
Mayberry Days Chapel
Sunday, September 28, 2008 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. 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.
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Other "Don't Miss" Mayberry Days Activities
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| Emmett's collection of Andy Griffith Memorabilia |
Andy Griffith Playhouse
($3 donation suggested) |
Thurs 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fri 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 am |
| Mayberry Days Postmarks |
Mount Airy Post Office Downtown |
Thurs 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sat 9:00 am - 11:00 am |
| Bluegrass Jam (bring your instrument and play along!) |
Andy Griffith Playhouse |
Thursday 5:00 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 |
Free Entertainment at the Blackmon Amphitheatre
The Surry Arts Council offers a variety of family entertainment Friday and Saturday all day long. The Mayberry Confidential will have the complete schedule for the festival.
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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.
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10th Annual Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off
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. Showmanship judging is Friday night at 8:00 p.m. and 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 SANDWICH SALE BEGINS AT 11 a.m. on Saturday
A limited number of TICKETS for Barbecue by the pound are available at the SAC office. The tickets may be exchanged for a pound of barbecue starting at 11 am on Saturday.
Interested in competing? The Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off page has everything you need. Win your share of $1000 in cash and prizes!
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Mayberry Days Sponsorship Opportunities
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| 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. |
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| Golf Hole Sponsorship |
$50 |
| Barbecue Cook-off Sponsor |
$200 |
| Mayberry Confidential Ad (business card size) |
$100 | |
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Mayberry Days Vending Space Opportunities
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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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