The bronze statue stands in a well-landscaped gazebo adjacent to the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Sheriff Andy Taylor holds his Opie’s hand, with fishing rods slung across his shoulders. I can imagine the end credits of The Andy Griffith Show: Andy & Opie walking down a country lane with their canes, the energetic theme song whistled in harmony. This statue captures that moment and adds another dimension: Andy gazes lovingly and amusedly at his son, and Opie gazes at her dad as if the sun is rising and setting on him. In fact, the very nature of this afternoon cooperates in the creation of this image, because the afternoon sun pours through the trees onto Andy’s shoulder. Right now, all is well in the world.
Of course all is well with the world; I’m in Mayberry. In fact. The map says I’m in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, (Andy Griffith’s childhood home), but I’m not fooled. This is Mayberry. Stroll down Main Street and you’ll feel right at home. Make a stop at Floyds’ Barber Shop, or just check out the Floyds “Wall of Fame” photo gallery. You’ll see photos from past visitors like Oprah Winfrey and Lou “The Incredible Hulk” Ferigno. Hungry? Enjoy a messy pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch (in business since 1923). However, be sure not to cross carelessly; Mayberry MP and (excellent) Barney Fife impersonator David Browning can arrest him. Deputy Mayberry is a local favorite; he gives tours of Mt Airy in his black and white 1964 Ford Fairlane police car. They’ll drop you off at the Mayberry Jail, just a block from Main Street. Dine at Aunts Beas and then catch a play at Andy Griffith Playhouse.
Is Mt. Airy a city holding on to its “15 minutes of fame”? Hardly. The Andy Griffith Show was a top 10 show during the ’60s and spawned two other shows: Mayberry RFD and Gomer Pyle USMC. For 15 years, America has invited Mt. Airy into their homes every week. As long as there are Baby Boomers, Mayberry will live.
What happens when the “boomers” disappear? Will Mayberry fade too? Most likely. Younger generations know Ron Howard as one of Hollywood’s top producers, not Opie Taylor. But when Mayberry fades, Mt. Airy will still exist. The people and values that inspired the Andy Griffith show will still be there – she’ll find them right at the end of Andy Griffith Parkway.
