Happy Trails Film and Television Festival

Happy Trails Film and Television Festival Southwest Virginia's first Western, Sci-Fi, Faith, & Classic Film & TV Festival.

A Nostalgia Media Event for those who cherish the memories of their favorite movies and television shows, and the actors and actresses who starred in them.

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL2027 Newsletter Number 1Greetings Partners, We sincerely hope this message find...
07/08/2026

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL
2027 Newsletter Number 1

Greetings Partners,

We sincerely hope this message finds you well, and that you and your loved ones enjoyed a truly memorable and meaningful celebration of our nation's independence. We trust that the spirit of freedom and community resonated deeply with you.

The resounding success and enthusiastic feedback following our recent Happy Trails Film & Television Festival have been incredibly inspiring. We're thrilled to share that the momentum has continued, with so many exciting developments and fresh ideas bubbling up behind the scenes that we simply couldn't wait to reach out with this special update. It's a testament to the vibrant and engaged community we're building together.

As we meticulously chart our course and lay the groundwork for our 2027 plans, your invaluable perspectives are more critical than ever. We deeply cherish your engagement, and your thoughts and suggestions play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Happy Trails.

Please feel free to share any ideas or feedback you might have – we are genuinely eager to hear from you and integrate your vision into our upcoming projects.

Our dedicated team is diligently working behind the scenes to finalize all essential details for our next major endeavor. You can expect a comprehensive announcement, including definitive dates, confirmed venue information, and exciting program commitments, as soon as these arrangements are set in stone.

We promise to keep you well-informed every step of the way, ensuring you're among the first to know what's on the horizon.

Happy Trails,

Wrangler Fred

06/01/2026

CELEBRATE ANDY GRIFFITH’S 100th BIRTHDAY
IN HIS HOMETOWN, MOUNT AIRY NC
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026

🌭Eat a hot dog at the Snappy Lunch!
🍿See Andy’s movies at the Earle – drink a bottle of pop and enjoy fresh popcorn!
⭐See the new artifact in Andy Griffith Museum – unveiled June 1!
🆓Enjoy a Free Behind the Scenes Tour of the Andy Griffith Playhouse!
⭐Take home a piece of Mayberry history!

Come to Mount Airy and celebrate Andy Griffith's 100th birthday on Monday, June 1, 2026!

Scheduled Events include:
⏰9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Andy Griffith Museum open
⏰9:45 a.m. - Proclamation by Mayor Jon Cawley declaring June 1st Andy Griffith Day in honor and celebration of Andy's 100th Birthday
⏰10:00 a.m. ➡ ⭐New artifact unveiled at Andy Griffith Museum⭐
⏰10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ➡ New “Andy & The Earle” display, along with self-guided tours and more at the Historic Earle Theatre Old-Time Music Heritage Hall
⏰10:00 a.m. ➡ Free Movie, "No Time for Sergeants," starring Andy Griffith, Historic Earle Theatre
⏰1:00 p.m. ➡ Behind the Scenes Tour of the Andy Griffith Playhouse (included with museum admission today only)
⏰1:30 p.m. ➡ Free Movie, "A Face in the Crowd," starring Andy Griffith, Historic Earle Theatre
⏰2:30 p.m. ➡ Behind the Scenes Tour of the Andy Griffith Playhouse (included with museum admission today only)
⏰4:00 p.m. ➡ Free Movie, "No Time for Sergeants," starring Andy Griffith, Historic Earle Theatre
⏰4:00 p.m. ➡ Behind the Scenes Tour of the Andy Griffith Playhouse (included with museum admission today only)
⏰7:00 p.m. ➡ Free Movie, "A Face in the Crowd," starring Andy Griffith, Historic Earle Theatre

Post a tribute to Andy and tag us on Facebook at Mayberry Days and Andy Griffith Museum and on Instagram

For more, join us Mayberry Days®, September 21-27, 2026
as we continue to celebrate Andy Griffith! www.mayberrydays.org

Don't miss going to the Siamese Twins Museum while you are in Mount Airy. Located across Rockford Street from the Andy Griffith Museum. Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Visit Mayberry NC Yadkin Valley, NC The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club

05/29/2026

Check out our website!

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVALJUNE 26-28,2026 In Salem, VA at CommUNITY Church, Newsletter13Howdy Pardners, W...
05/16/2026

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL

JUNE 26-28,2026 In Salem, VA at CommUNITY Church, Newsletter13

Howdy Pardners,

We are absolutely brimming with excitement as we look ahead to our forthcoming event, which is shaping up to be an extraordinary celebration of history, camaraderie, and enduring passions. As we’ve often shared in our past communications, this year is particularly rich with significant anniversaries that underscore the legacy we collectively cherish.

Our "Happy Trails" gathering is truly unlike any other. It transcends the traditional media event or autograph show; it has organically evolved into something far more profound – a heartfelt annual reunion. The beautiful bonds of friendship and shared enthusiasm that flourish here are the very essence of what makes our community so special and vibrant. Particularly our emphasis on faith productions.

This year, we are especially thrilled to commemorate the 50th anniversaries of various iconic programs and pivotal moments within the genres we hold so dear. Expect a captivating journey through time, acknowledging the milestones that have shaped our cultural landscape. Our insightful columnist, Cindy Smith, will once again be your guide, weaving together the rich tapestry of classic film and television genres that have been the cornerstone of our focus throughout the years.

Furthermore, we continue our strong emphasis on the vital contributions of authors. Their storytelling prowess and dedicated research are indispensable in preserving the histories and expanding the narratives that enrich our understanding and appreciation. You’ll find their presence and influence thoughtfully highlighted throughout this issue and at the event itself.

And as the spirit of summer ignites, we will also joyfully participate in the historical commemoration of the birth of one of the world's greatest democratic nations. This momentous occasion will add an additional layer of heritage and collective pride to our festivities.The anticipation is building, and we eagerly await the opportunity to reunite with all of you in just a few short weeks for what promises to be a memorable and heartwarming occasion.

Happy Trails,

The Bunk House Gang

Point North † Outreach Alert, Spring Part 2, 2026Dear Readers,This issue is a little early however it was a surprise eve...
04/28/2026

Point North † Outreach Alert, Spring Part 2, 2026

Dear Readers,

This issue is a little early however it was a surprise even to the author of the attached. After getting his latest book out LIFE, LAUGHTER AND REDHEADS, he got to thinking about the book’s inclusion of STAR TREK. That led to the question of how real are the characters to the author who creates them. This was presented as an idea in story form to the Roanoke Valley Christian Writers group and they felt the attached should be published. We hope you enjoy it.

Blessings,

The Staff

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVALJune 26-28, 2026 In Salem, VA at CommUNITY Church, Newsletter No 12Howdy Pardne...
04/28/2026

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL

June 26-28, 2026 In Salem, VA at CommUNITY Church, Newsletter No 12

Howdy Pardners,

Just two months away from our next event and the excitement level is high. It will be great being reunited with friends and having a program with everything from adventures to films and music. Beautiful visiting ahead again.

This newsletter covers some of that plus another column by Cindy Smith. One that perfectly readies us for our event. We are seeking ways to celebrate two anniversaries. First the 250th of our nation and second the 50th for the start of media events in Virginia.

Speaking of the latter, Cindy’s column reminds this writer what we have done in our early years, the emphasis was on authors as well as media guests. And one of our first guests was both.

At RoVaCon 2, 1977, Leigh Brackett was a guest of honor. Invited primarily as an author known as the “Queen of Space Operas.” She was also a noted script writer for Howard Hawks doing mysteries for Humphrey Bogart and Westerns. She was a favorite of John Wayne’s doing several of his biggest Westerns. Science fiction wise her “The Empire Strikes Back” completely changed the direction of the Star War Series.

It must be added she began our “Not For Profit” status by starting a program of scholarships for deserving high school seniors. Now supporting a program for cancer research.

Happy Trails,

The Bunk House Gang

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVALJune 26-28, 2026 In Salem, VA at CommUNITY Church, Newsletter No 11Happy Resurr...
04/02/2026

HAPPY TRAILS FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL

June 26-28, 2026 In Salem, VA at CommUNITY Church, Newsletter No 11

Happy Resurrection Week Partners,

We are in the last quarter of the year before our event and we hear more and more about things being added to the program. Film wise we have so far two excellent short films from Spice Williams-Crosby and we are hoping for others that our guests are involved in. We have some interesting workshops including one centered on authors, one on stunt work, one on acting and a surprising one, bee keeping. Wonder if Sherlock Holmes will drop by.

This newsletter has two amazing articles. First by our columnist Cindy Smith FROM WHERE I SIT which beautifully fits the season. It has a challenge for all of us. We always like to report the latest on all our guests and in this issue we feature some career additions by Tammy Locke.

If you have not followed progress on our website the link is included so you may see what we are doing and what we need to do. We will be using every means to get the word out so we can honor the wonderful film and TV stars who partner with us each year.

Happy Trails.

The Bunk House Gang.

Address

1923 East Main Street
Salem, VA

Telephone

+15408192032

Website

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