MOUNT AIRY, N.C. -- The Mayberry Days festival has changed and developed over the last 29 years.

  • More emphasis is now put on fan participation and celebration of the premiere of "The Andy Griffith Show"
  • The interactions with special guests are still a highlight for fans and guests

More emphasis is now put on fan participation and celebration of the premiere of "The Andy Griffith Show".

"The festival has evolved in some ways to be a reunion of fans. So whatever we put in the middle of it as far as special guests is just icing on the cake," Tanya Jones said. She is the executive director of the Surry Arts Council that organizes Mayberry Days.

The interactions with special guests are still a highlight for fans and guests alike.

Actor and comedian Ronnie Schell says he looks forward to meeting people in Mount Airy. 

"I get a lot of people coming here from all over, and they say 'It's really thrilling to ask you the questions because you were there,' and that makes me feel good," Schell said.

Karen Knotts, Don Knotts' daughter, agreed.

"You know, you get to know the fans after a while, and you recognize them and they know you. And they follow you, so that's nice," she said.

Knotts says it's the atmosphere of the show that will continue to make Mayberry Days a success overall.

"It really boils down to the relationships, the characters and the community, and that's something people don't want to lose."