you’ll think you’re in an episode of the andy griffith show when you meet our
Mayberry Tribute Artists
Tribute Artist is the term used to describe people who dress as characters from The Andy Griffith Show. They’re not impersonators in that they don’t try to exactly match their characters voice, costume and actions. But they do work hard to create the illusion that you’re actually interacting with their character. Mayberry Comes to Scottsburg is fortunate to have a large group of nationally known Tribute Artists in attendance. These wonderful performers will make you feel that you’re experiencing an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. They’ll be available for pictures, autographs, and will recreate some favorite scenes straight from Mayberry.
Allan Newsome was raised in a small rural Alabama town much like Mayberry. He’s been performing as Floyd since 1994 at Mayberry events around the country having appeared as “Floyd the barber” in over 17 states and performing at the Opryland Hotel, churches, theaters, festivals, civic events, and on cruise ships. He co-started in the “Mayberry Man” movie and, along with several others appearing at the Scottsburg event, in the upcoming Mayberry Man series.
Rik Roberts is a Nashville, TN based comedian and speaker who focuses on providing 100% clean comedy and creative keynotes to groups who need a fun and engaging program. Rik co-starred in “Mayberry Man” as a “Barney” tribute artist after having worked the characters behavior into his stand-up routines for years. RikRoberts.com
Kenneth Junkin has been recognized as the Number 1 Mayberry Fan in America. His love of The Andy Griffith Show has enabled him to perform such duties and providing security for Don Knotts, and performing as Mayberry’s lovable town drunk Otis Campbell for nearly three decades.
Chris “Gomer” Bauman is an Indiana University graduate from Columbus, Ind. now residing in Indianapolis. Chris works as an artist and comic with over 25 years of professional Improv experience. He acts locally, teaches improvisational classes, and produces improv comedy shows. Miss Right has evidently managed to hide from Chris and he believes she may be trying to win the U.S. National Hide and Seek Championship. He appreciates her “stick-to-itiveness” and hopes to someday kiss her right in the mouth (even though his parents only shook hands on their deal).
Tim Pettigrew has been performing at Mayberry events and entertaining crowds for the better part of two decades. George Lindsey himself enjoyed Tim’s performance as Goober and even gave him tips on how to be “Goober.” Be sure to tell him “Hey” when you see him and maybe he’ll do his Edward G. Robinson impersonation for you.
The “Fun Girls” from Mt. Pilot have been a fixture at Mayberry Days, the Mayberry Cruise, and many other Mayberry events where they entertain the crowds (especially men who remind them of Sheriff Taylor and Deputy Fife). Dixie Griffith, Andy Griffith’s daughter, portrays “Skippy” and did so for several years before folks even found out she was Andy’s daughter. She keep her true identity under wraps because she truly enjoyed being just another “fan” and experiencing Mayberry. Her partner “fun girl” is Michelle Bryson portraying “Daphne” who’s catch phrase, “Hello doll,” is one that most fans quickly remember. Both of these wonderful ladies are sure to make you smile.
Ted Womack has been appearing at Mayberry events as “Mr. McBeevee” and bringing smiles for several years. Mr. McBeevee promises not to gossip or share what he has heard over the phonelines while working on the party lines around town wearing his shiny silver hat and using his 12 extra hands. But one thing he can do for you is make smoke come out of his ears. Ted truly loves representing Mr. McBeevee and sharing the morals taught in that episode.
Terry Varvel stepped into the role as a tribute artist for Deputy Fife in 2017 at Mayberry in the Midwest after having already done the character from time-to-time for smaller gatherings. Since then, he has become a regular at Mayberry events. His wife Tonya also got into the act appearing as Barney’s (oft-sung-to but never heard or seen) love interest, Juanita… just don’t tell Thelma Lou. This couple has added so much enjoyment to fans and you will certainly want to take a few minutes to get a ticket or place an order.
Rick Grimsley is a fan of The Andy Griffith Show and for years attended Mayberry events where tribute artist continually referred to him as “Henry Bennett” because of his likeness to the Mayberry citizen. Eventually Rick gave up and just started dressing as “the town jinx” and took ownership of the role. He has been “pulling out the hat size” and watching folks rub rabbit foots with a smile. He often even has the TV set that the citizens of Mayberry presented him to prove he wasn’t really a jinx and showing how rich he is to have so many friends. Just be sure to take some precautions if you’re going to be too near him so the jinx doesn’t rub off.
An “Andy” like this doesn’t come along every day. We’ve been on the lookout for years, and we finally found him when James Dodson showed up. James truly has what it takes to portray Andy—from the look and the voice to that perfect accent. Being from North Carolina, James has a natural charm that’s been bringing joy to crowds for a long time now. He’s joined by his wife, Joy, who plays Nurse Mary, and together they bring smiles and laughter to everyone they meet!
Mike Haviland has been a staple in the Mayberry community for years, known as both a trivia expert and a dedicated collector. He started performing as Sergeant Carter alongside our Gomer tribute artist several years back and has been a fantastic addition to all the Mayberry fun. You might have spotted Mike’s Sergeant Carter in the Mayberry Man movie, or even seen him on an episode of Collector’s Call on MeTV showing off his impressive collection of Mayberry memorabilia!
Scottsburg’s own Eric Lowry portrays Mayberry’s first Mayor, well… the first one we see on screen, Mayor Pike. Eric stepped into the role of Mayor Pike in the early 2000’s and has done it all… from emcee to auctioneer in the attempt to keep the Mayberry spirit alive. Eric also starred as a judge in the 2021 Mayberry Man movie and made all of Mayberry proud. He has also been instrumental in bringing Mayberry to Scottsburg and has a right to be mighty proud of himself. Be sure to tell the Mayor “hey” and thank him for what he does. He’ll be glad to hear from a voter.
