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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2002
“Mayberry in the
Midwest” is a Hit!
By: Christine Mallette, Director of Tourism and Marketing
Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Well, you have heard about it and now has the state of Indiana. “Mayberry
in the Midwest” is officially a hit and we still have until July 19th and
20th to welcome this wonderful event filled weekend and all its visitors.
This two-day weekend is the culmination of a number of events, two of
which are ticketed events. The state of Indiana has over 70 cities
represented in ticket sales. In fact, once the seemingly local event hit
the Associated Press news wire, the phone calls poured into our office.
The interest was so great that Friday night’s charity auction and dinner
with the stars of Mayberry (taking place at the Henry County Arts Park)
sold out in a week’s time. Saturday’s cast reunion show at Bundy
Auditorium has less than 150 tickets available at the deadline of this
article. But ticket sales were not limited to Indiana.
The Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has taken calls from
as far away as Nebraska and Texas. In one day we had orders from
California and New York. It seems that this show and its endearing
characters have really touched a chord in everyone’s hearts. Our staff
spends a good portion of our time during phone orders listening to
individuals’ personal stories of watching “The Andy Griffith Show” with
their parents and now watching with their own families. It is phone
conversations such as these that make hosting an event of this magnitude
such a pleasure. The staff at the CVB office knew we had a wonderful event
on our hands, but to be able to listen to genuine stories of fond family
memories has made all the work going into planning and hosting this event
seem even more worthwhile.
And what an eventful weekend we will have! As many of you know, we have
already contracted George Lindsey who played “Goober.” Stars of the show
also scheduled to appear and perform are Howard Morris (Ernest T. Bass),
Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou), Jean Carson (Fun Girl Daphne), Maggie Peterson
(Charlene Darling), James Best (Jim Lindsey-a small guitar playing role,
but best known as “Rosco P. Coltrane” on the “Dukes of Hazard”), a
“Barney” impersonator, and a “Floyd the Barber” impersonator. The CVB is
also pleased to announce some recent developments. “The Dillards” whom
many know as the mute Blue Grass band “The Darlings” from “The Andy
Griffith Show” will also be in attendance and performing Saturday evening.
What many do not know is that there are four original band members, three
of these members still perform as “The Dillards” for special events such
as “Mayberry in the Midwest.” These members include Dean Webb, Doug
Dillard and Rodney Dillard. Mitch Jayne, also one of the original band
members, does not perform with the band any longer. But for knowledgeable
fans, many of which belong to “The Andy Griffith Show Re-run Watchers
Club,” the idea of seeing all four original members again is truly
exciting. The Henry County CVB is pleased to announce Mitch will be on the
same stage as the performing band members for the first time in three
years at “The Mayberry in the Midwest” Cast Reunion Show on Saturday, July
20th.
As mentioned, this weekend will be filled with many different events, some
of which have a “Mayberry” theme. Friday afternoon the Rose Bowl is
hosting a “Mayberry-theme” White Elephant Bowling tournament for the first
140 people signed up. This early afternoon tournament will give locals and
visitors alike enough time to have some fun bowling and enough time to get
ready for Friday night’s event at the Arts Park. The Friday “Charity
Auction and Dinner with the Stars” has already sold out, but for those
lucky enough to own a ticket, there will be plenty of entertainment. The
stars of the show will be in attendance, but not performing this evening.
Performing is a wonderful band that won the Marion County Fair’s talent
contest this past year. “Lindsey Ridener and Big Sky” sponsored by New
Castle KFC, will be the entertainment for the evening. Another feature of
this wonderful evening is the charity auction where all proceeds from the
auction will go to the Henry County United Fund and the Art Association of
Henry County.
Saturday is another fun filled day of activities. Someone may want to
start their weekend off with a mile walk or challenge yourself to a 15K
run. Longer distance bike rides are also scheduled for the “Mayberry RFD
Stride and Ride” starting at the New Castle Chrysler High School
Fieldhouse at 9am. Those who want the chance to get the stars of the
show’s autographs are invited to a free admission Autograph Session taking
place at the New Castle Middle School Cafeteria. This is a two-hour event
that begins at 10am and will end at 12 noon. Baker Park is the locale of
an Antique Car Show. Members of the Central Indiana Car Club will feature
cars from the mid 20th century. This event is sponsored by the Henry
County Tourism Commissioners and will begin at 10am and last until 4pm.
Other events that will accompany this arrangement will be announced in the
upcoming months and can be found on the event’s website:
www.mayberryinthemidwest.com.
The weekend’s feature event is the “Mayberry in the Midwest” Cast Reunion
Show. Taking place at Bundy Auditorium on Saturday evening at 7pm, this 2
˝ hour show features each of the mentioned actors. The show is a wonderful
array of stories, character portrayals, skits and music. Similar to a
Branson, Missouri type of show, this is a once in a life time experience
brought to you by your Convention and Visitors Bureau and a number of
sponsors.
As mentioned, the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau is the title
sponsor of this wonderful event, but we could not do it without the help
of many wonderful sponsors. The following sponsors have signed on to bring
this unique event to New Castle: Producing Sponsors (top level) - Ameriana
Bank and Trust, Best Western Raintree Inn, Citizens State Bank, New Castle
KFC; Associate Sponsors - City of New Castle, Creative Renovations, Inc.
(Shelbyville), Macer-Hall Funeral Home, New Castle Community School
Corporation, Properties Unlimited; and Participating Sponsors - Anderson
Lock & Security, Baker Insurance Agency, Cardinal Healthcare Pharmacy,
EZ-Look.com Websites & Advertising, Goodwin Bros. Auto Co., Inc., Henry
County R.E.M.C., Henry County Saddle Club, Hudson’s Rental and Sales,
Leakey Insurance Agency, Moe’s Auto Sales, New Castle
Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, Offisource, Peoples Trust Company, The Pfenninger
Agency, Schroeder Chiropractic, and Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales &
Service. The Media Sponsors are The Courier-Times newspaper, UPN 23
television in Indianapolis, and WMDH radio. If you have a sponsorship
interest and we have not contacted you, please call the Henry County
Convention and Visitors Bureau at 765-593-0764.
This event has received interest from all over the state as well as the
country. Henry County and New Castle have a very unique and wonderful
opportunity to have a lot of fun and to welcome fellow fans of this great
American icon called, “The Andy Griffith Show.” Call or stop into our
office for the few remaining tickets available for Saturday evening’s Cast
Reunion Show. The Henry County CVB office is located in the Castle Pointe
Shoppes on the East-side of Memorial Drive in New Castle for in-person
ticket sales. Call 765-593-0764 to order tickets over the phone. Cash,
Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!
Rodney,
Doug, Andy
Mitch & Dean
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CONTACT:
Christine Mallette, Director of Tourism & Marketing
Henry County Convention & Visitors Bureau
2020 South Memorial Drive, Suite I
New Castle, IN 47362
(765) 593-0764
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