"MAYBERRY IN THE MIDWEST" HOME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2002

New Castle, IN -- The Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that both ticketed events for the “Mayberry in the Midwest” weekend are now sold out. “Mayberry in the Midwest” is a two-day events filled weekend celebrating the wonderful “The Andy Griffith Show.” Many of the memorable characters will be appearing in New Castle, Indiana the weekend of July 19 and 20, 2002. Those scheduled to appear are George Lindsey (Goober), Howard Morris (Ernest T. Bass), Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou), Jean Carson (Fun Girl Daphne), James Best (Jim Lindsey-a small guitar playing role, but best known as “Rosco P. Coltrane” on the “Dukes of Hazard”), a “Barney” impersonator, a “Floyd the Barber” impersonator, “The Dillards” (The Darling Boys-the mute mountain band), and of course their “sister” Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darling). Tickets for the Friday evening “Charity Auction and Dinner with the Stars” at the Henry County Arts Park sold out in a week’s time in mid March. The Saturday, July 20th “Mayberry in the Midwest Cast Reunion Show,” performed by the stars, is taking place at Bundy Auditorium. The show had twice as many tickets available and sold out on May 22nd.

The stars will be in attendance at the first event planned for the weekend, a “Charity Auction and Dinner with the Stars” at the Henry County Arts Park Friday evening. This evening will be filled with fun and many activities. The charity auction, featuring many “Mayberry” signed memorabilia and other wonderful items, benefits the Henry County United Fund and the Art Association of Henry County. “Lindsey Ridener and Big Sky” (sponsored by New Castle KFC) are the featured performers of the evening. This country band that won the Marion County Fair’s Talent Contest will entertain the crowd while they enjoy dinner. Also taking place that evening is a “Squad Car Show” and an “Indiana Artists” exhibit at the Art Center. Gates open for this ticketed event at 6pm.

The weekend’s featured event is the “Mayberry in the Midwest Cast Reunion Show”. Taking place at Bundy Auditorium on Saturday evening at 7pm, this 2 ½ hour show features each of the mentioned actors. Door for this sold out event open at 6:30pm. The show is a wonderful array of stories, character portrayals, skits and blue-grass music. Similar to a Branson, Missouri-type of show, this is a once in a life time experience brought to you by the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a number of sponsors.

As mentioned, the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau <http://www.henrycountyin.org> is the title sponsor of this fantastic event, but this event would not be possible if not for the help of many wonderful sponsors. The following current sponsors have signed on to bring this unique event to New Castle: Producing Sponsors (top level) - Ameriana Bank and Trust, Best Western Raintree Inn (the hotel of the stars), Citizens State Bank <http://www.csb-nc.com>, New Castle KFC; Associate Sponsors- City of New Castle, Macer-Hall Funeral Home, New Castle Community Schools, Properties Unlimited, Inc.; and Participating Sponsors - Anderson Lock & Security, Baker Insurance, Cardinal Healthcare Pharmacy, EZ-Look.com Websites and Advertising, Goodwin Brothers Auto. Co, Inc., Henry County REMC, Henry County Saddle Club, Hudson’s Rental and Sales, Leakey Insurance Agency, Mayberry Café, Moe's Auto Sales, New Castle Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, OffiSource, Peoples Trust Company, The Pfenninger Agency, Schroeder Chiropractic, and Walnut Ridge Family RV Sales and Service. The media sponsors are WMDH radio, the Courier-Times newspaper, and UPN 23 television.

Log onto www.MayberryintheMidwest.com for more details and future updates on the many events happening in conjunction with this wonderful weekend. One of the events listed includes a Saturday morning free admission autograph session. For more information on the many other planned events log onto this website.

“Mayberry in the Midwest” is a wonderful weekend of family fun and entertainment. Ticket sales began for the July 19th, Friday evening “Charity Auction and Dinner with the Stars” and Saturday evening’s July 20th “Mayberry in the Midwest Cast Reunion Show” on Thursday, March 14, 2002. Tickets for both events are now sold out. For more details call the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) at 888-676-4302 or 765-593-0764 or stop into the CVB office located at 2020 S. Memorial Dr., Suite I in New Castle. If you were unlucky enough to not purchase tickets, the Henry County CVB still encourages everyone to participate in the many activities planned for this weekend.

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