Say "hey" to Goober's stuff

George "Goober" Lindsey has donated some of his prized Goober memorabilia to Mt. Airy's Andy Griffith Museum.

Lindsey played bumbling mechanic Goober Pyle on "The Andy Griffith Show," joining the show in the fifth season when Jim Nabors, who played Gomer Pyle, left to star in his own sitcom.

Lindsey has donated several unspecified wardrobe items from his days on the show (hopefully, one of his trademark hats!), but will be unable to attend the unveiling. Betty Lynn, a Mt. Airy resident who played Thelma Lou on the show, will be on hand for the 11am ceremony on Friday. We think that's a fine tradeoff.

As "Andy Griffith Show" fans know, Mt. Airy is the hometown of the show's star, Andy Griffith, and also a sort of de facto Mayberry. This year will be the 21st for the town's annual Mayberry Days festival (Sept. 23-26), for which thousands of "Andy Griffith Show" fans flock to eat pork chop sandwiches and get haircuts at Floyd's Barbershop. Festival organizers expect at least 10 actors from the program will attend this year, which also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the show.

The Andy Griffith Museum is located at 218 Rockford Street, and it boasts the world's largest collection of artifacts and memorabilia of the town's favorite son. Musuem officials say since Goober always provided free water and air at Wally's Service Station, admission to the museum will be waived for Friday's unveiling.

Lindsey, who lives in Nashville, Tn., said in a statement: "It's an honor for me both to have my stuff on display and also that people want to see it. Of course, this 'stuff' was on TV a long time - and still is. Generations of TV watchers continue to love Mayberry and all its characters. I'm proud to have portrayed one of those characters. The love is mutual."

For more info about the Goober artifact unveiling, the Andy Griffith Museum, or Mayberry Days, call the Surry Arts Council at (336) 786-7998 or visit their website.