THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW AND MAYBERRY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Mount Airy, North Carolina, is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Andy was born in Mount Airy, and he patterned his fictional Mayberry after the small town. He even used the same street names and the Snappy Lunch restaurant – still on Main Street. Over the last two decades, factories in Mount Airy closed down, but tourism came to replace them. The Andy Griffith museum is a big draw and nostalgic tourists pump millions into the economy. (Yes, there is still a Floyd’s Barbershop.) Three 1960’s Ford Galaxies painted like Andy’s cruiser drive around town, giving rides to tourists. Believe it or not, 50,000 visitors are expected this October to celebrate the TV show’s 50th anniversary. Most of the cast members coming were extras playing kids on the show. But they all have memories.