MOUNT AIRY, N.C. – This year, 2020, marks the 60th anniversary of the premiere of The Andy Griffith show, and Mayberry Days in Mount Airy is going ahead.

Under Phase 2.5 of North Carolina's coronavirus restrictions, capacities for gatherings are limited. So, museum staff have decreased the number of tickets available for events while increasing the number of opportunities.

Abigail Linville with the museum says they're doing all they can, like requiring masks, cleaning hourly, and distancing people, to make sure people are comfortable coming.

“You can bring your kids. You can bring your grandparents. You can bring everyone, and just have a good time and know it’s going to be a safe time, and that’s just a blessing, and that’s why people like the show," Linville says.

With so many people coming to town, she says businesses other than the museum benefit.

Mayberry Days runs from September 21 to 27. It will look differently this year, with likely smaller crowds, but Linville thinks people will still turn out to celebrate the show.

“Well first and foremost they get out of the house which I know is a gift, but most importantly the same thing Andy said about the show that it was about loving your neighbor, lifting one another up, encouraging one another and that’s a good thing to foster,” she says.