|
Cruise Mayberry Barney-StyleWhere else but in Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, N.C., can a visitor hop into a 1962 Galaxie squad car and tour Mayberry? Mount Airy resident Mike Cockerham has always enjoyed working on old cars and loves his hometown’s unique history. He has combined those two interests into a new business venture called Squad Car Tours. Cockerham also works for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. where he has been employed for more than 20 years. Cockerham attended the Andy Griffith Highway dedication ceremony in October of 2002 when he became interested in offering a tour service. “I was surrounded by folks and realized that I was the only one from Mount Airy,” Cockerham said. “They were all asking me questions, and I felt like I was giving a tour. I thought about all these folks coming here for Mayberry. I wanted to be able to give them something more to do.” Cockerham searched for his squad car for several months and found the perfect car--a one-owner, 1962 Galaxie with a fresh paint job. Cockerham has spent many hours doing a full restoration of the car, as well as updating it for comfortable cruising. “It’s been a lot of work,” Cockerham said. “I’m glad to see it coming together.” Cockerham has partnered with another Mount Airy resident Jim Grimes who will conduct the driving tours. Grimes is the ideal candidate for this position because he is a walking, breathing encyclopedia on Mount Airy. After more than 29 years of service, Grimes retired as the executive director of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce in 1995. During his retirement, Grimes has been active in many community groups such as the Mount Airy Rotary Club along with being a step-on-tour guide to almost 400 buses. “I think this will be a good addition to the tourist effort in Mount Airy especially the Mayberry aspect,” Grimes said. “I am really excited about getting started.” Tour packages start at $20 for a 20-minute, narrated cruise of Mayberry. To schedule a tour, call Squad Car Tours at 336-789-OPIE or 336-789-6743. For more information, go to their Web site at www.TourMayberry.com. For a free visitor packet to Mount Airy, call 800-576-0231 or log onto www.VisitMayberry.com. Edited by Dave Shultz |
|
TM