Mayberry Days 2014

The day started out with the Annual Mayberry Days Parade, led by Betty Lynn (Thelma Lou). Other guests who rode in the parade were James Best, Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darlin'), Elizabeth MacRae (LuAnn Poovie), Joy Ellison (Mary Wiggins), Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins/Helen Scoby), Karen Knotts, George Lindsay Jr, Morgan Brittany (Mary Alice Carter), Jackie Joseph ("Sweet Romena"), Rodney Dillard, and LeRoy McNees. There were also many character impersonators who walked in the parade and around throughout the day, including the Mayberry Deputy, David Browning. 

Some of the pictures from the parade....

Some of the pictures of the Impersonators from today...

The first person we met was Betty Lynn who played Thelma Lou on The Andy Griffith Show. She was so sweet and took time to talk with us for about 5 or so minutes each. She was actually in the hospital 2 weeks ago but didn't want to upset her fans so she toughed it out for her fans today. 

We also got to talk and get signatures from other special guests this morning...

My Dad, Daniel, and I were waiting to see the other guests this afternoon and while we waited, we sung "Vacant Chair", one of the songs that was sung on the show. The room got silent as we sung and we even got a round of applause from our fellow Mayberry fans. Maggie Peterson (Charlene) and Jackie Joseph (Sweet Romena) asked us to sing another song so they record it on their phones. Let me say this again... They filmed us singing with their phones!! So cool! We took pictures with them and got to talk with them for a while. 

She insisted we pose like this.

We also got to talk for a very long time with Rodney Dillard. He signed the back of my shirt, talked with him about music and then he told us his testimony. Such an incredible man and has so much knowledge to share. 

Here are the signatures I got today...

THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!