Mayberry in the Midwest Returns to Danville, Indiana May 20-22, 2016

Barney Fife at Mayberry in the Midwest 2014

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

This year marks the third year of Mayberry in the Midwest in Danville, Indiana. We had the pleasure of visiting Danville during Mayberry in the Midwest's inaugural year and had a fabulous time. Who doesn't wish for a little visit to Mayberry from time to time? We enjoyed character visits, watching The Andy Griffith Show on the big screen in the historic Royal Theater, checking out the tractor show and squad cars, throwing our daughter into the "paddy wagon" by the Hendricks County Historical Museum, eating bison burgers from a local vendor and sitting down to a full meal at the delectable Mayberry Cafe. Really one of those warm and fuzzy family days that we won't forget!


This year's event welcomes back the character artists that will bring the flavor of Mayberry to Danville. Goober, Gomer, Aunt Bee and more will make appearances. Maggie Peterson Mancuso who played Charlene Darling will be attending the event. Dixie Griffith, Andy Griffith's daughter will also make appearance. Lawn mower races, tribute artists shows, Squad Car Nationals and more will delight families. Ticketed events include a meet and greet, Mayberry After Dark (which is part pub crawl, part haunted walking tour) and the Phil Fox Comedy Show.

New activities this year will include:

• Celebrity Basketball Game – This is an event not to be missed. Think Harlem Globetrotters travels back in time to Mayberry to create a show that attendees won’t soon forget at 6 p.m. Saturday.
• Phil Fox Comedy Show – Fox, who portrays Ernest T. Bass during the festival, is also an accomplished comedian who will bring his Mayberry-centric comedy to the Royal Theater stage at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Museum Demonstrations – The Hendricks County Historical Museum located just a block south of the square will expand its Mayberry presence this year with numerous demonstrations including rug hooking, basket making, storytelling, quilt binding, needle felting and more. Aunt Bee will also be there as usual.
• VW Boys – This popular band will bring their blend of magic, comedy and bluegrass to the free stage for performances on Saturday and Sunday.

While in Danville, don't forget to visit our favorites the Mayberry Cafe and the Hendricks County Historical Museum. We spent quite some time in the museum, enjoying the wealth of artifacts. The demos this year will bring history to life and intrigue kids and adults alike!

For more information about the event, check Visit Hendricks County.