Mayberry Man – Mercer County Outlook

A funding campaign for the second season of Mayberry Man a tribute tv show to the original Andy Griffith Show.

Here is how you can help them in this project-

‘Mayberry Man’ season 2 Funding

By Cort Howell

Every so often I Google my dad’s name just to see what comes up. 

Search: “Hoke Howell” 

He played Dud Wash on The Andy Griffith Show, by the way.

It was several years back that I came across something I’d never seen before — a video from an event in Bradford, Ohio, from 1995.

A couple of local DJs were interviewing my dad at the 3rd Annual Mayberry Squad Car Rendezvous, and it was being shared on a podcast by a guy who dresses up like Floyd the Barber.

That “guy” turned out to be Allan Newsome, host of the “Two Chairs No Waiting” podcast. It was episode #296 — and there was my dad, chatting about The Andy Griffith Show and sharing laughs with the fans.

Listening to that interview reminded me how much he enjoyed meeting Mayberry fans and how those friendships have endured. Allan still has his Hoke Howell–autographed Milk Duds, a small but perfect reminder of how these personal connections keep Mayberry’s spirit alive.

That’s what Mayberry Man is all about — honoring the people who’ve carried that spirit forward.

Tribute artists like Allan spend endless hours and days entertaining Mayberry fans, introducing the next generation to a wonderful show that harkens back to a simpler time and a sweeter place.

Of course, Allan went on to become one of the stars of Mayberry Man, the last thing an electrical engineer from Alabama expected to happen.

And while most of the original Andy Griffith Show cast members aren’t around to witness our tribute to Mayberry, many of their family members are. 

In fact, we’re fortunate to have Dixie Griffith (Andy’s daughter) as an executive producer and Karen Knotts (Don’s daughter) as part of our cast. 

It feels like a beautiful full-circle moment — the next generation of Mayberry carrying on what their fathers started.