Mayberry Days Festival – September 23-29, 2024

Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, North Carolina, is not just about celebrating “The Andy Griffith Show,” it’s also about participating in a host of fun-filled contests that encapsulate the spirit of Mayberry. These contests provide wonderful opportunities for festival-goers to engage in friendly competition while enjoying the community spirit of Mayberry Days. Here’s a rundown of what to expect at the 2024 Mayberry Days festival:

Mayberry Days® Golf Tournament (AKA “The Emmett”)

• Date & Time: Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Cross Creek Country Club, Mount Airy, NC
• Description: Held in memory of Emmett Forrest, this golf tournament begins with a “Sheriff’s Choice” start and features hole sponsors, refreshments, and plenty of laughs. Trophies and awards await the winners.

Pickle Toss

• Date & Time: Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Friday) and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Saturday)
• Location: By the Information Tent in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse
• Description: Participants can win pickles from Mt. Olive Pickles in a fun tossing game, a much tastier option than Aunt Bee’s kerosene cucumbers!

Mr. Tucker Apple Peeling Contest

• Date & Time: Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Friday) and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Saturday)
• Location: In front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse
• Description: Show off your steady hand in the apple peeling contest, inspired by the episode “Man in a Hurry.” The longest continuous apple peel wins a trophy.

Pork Chop Sandwich Eating Contest

• Date & Time: Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Snappy Lunch, Downtown Mount Airy
• Description: Compete to eat the most pork chop sandwiches within an hour, and perhaps break the record of 8 sandwiches!

Mayberry Days® Pie Eating Contest

• Date & Time: Friday at 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Blackmon Amphitheatre
• Description: After a pork chop, why not pie? Devour one of “Aunt Bee’s Crustless Cream Pies” as fast as possible to win trophies.

Mayberry Minutemen Youth TAGS Trivia Contest

• Date & Time: Friday at 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Blackmon Amphitheatre
• Description: Young fans of the show (14 and under) can demonstrate their TAGS knowledge in this exciting trivia contest.

Mayberry Days® World Championship of TAGS Trivia

• Date & Time: Friday at 4:30 p.m.
• Location: Blackmon Amphitheatre
• Description: Compete in the ultimate trivia contest about “The Andy Griffith Show.” Open to all ages, this contest promises great fun and challenging questions.

Mayberry Days® Whistling Competition

• Date & Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Blackmon Amphitheatre
• Description: Whistle the iconic theme song for a chance to win trophies in either Youth or Adult categories.

Chester Jones Checkers Competition

• Date & Time: Saturday starting at 12 Noon
• Location: SAC Arts Center
• Description: Test your strategy skills in this checkers competition held at the new granite checkers tables.

Mayberry Idle Competition

• Date & Time: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Blackmon Amphitheatre
• Description: A chance to shine at Mayberry Days! This talent contest invites you to perform at a slower pace, embracing the leisurely spirit of Mayberry. Performers can sign up to showcase their talents, with the top winners getting a chance to perform at Colonel Tim’s Evening show.

Goober Says Hay Bale Toss

• Date & Time: Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse Parking Lot
• Description: Test your strength in the Hay Bale Toss where competitors heave a hay bale as far as they can. The one who tosses it the furthest wins the coveted trophy in this energetic, single elimination contest.

Mayberry Days Horseshoe Competition

• Date & Time: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Location: Behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse Parking Lot
• Description: Participants compete in a classic horseshoe pitching contest, aiming to ring the stake. The competition promises fun and friendly rivalry, with trophies awarded to the best pitchers.

Mayberry Days Corn Hole Toss Competition

• Date & Time: Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Behind the Andy Griffith Playhouse Parking Lot
• Description: Team up for the Corn Hole Competition, where precision and a bit of luck can lead to victory. Competitors aim for the corn hole boards to win trophies for their tossing skills.