Autumn Leaves Festival falls on the weekend

By: Bob Costner

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MOUNT AIRY—Although the Autumn leaves aren't really here yet this year, it's time for the Autumn Leaves Festival.
It started in 1966 to boost seasonal tourism in the Surry County community that inspired the fictional town of "Mayberry." The crowds come to enjoy a day in the Fall air, along with the food and crafts. But music is also a big attraction with crowds gathering around any group of musicians.
“Organizers decided that they would capture some of the traffic that was going up Highway 52 to see the leaves each fall, and so they thought that was a great opportunity," said Yvonne Nichols with the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce.
83-year-old Wayne Jarrell's father Tommy was an area fiddler and banjo player, whose influence is felt around the world.
"Lord, it's wonderful,” said Jarrell, “makes cold chills run all over me, that's the reason I've been standing right over there listening to it."
In addition to the music, history and fun, there's something that strikes another chord here: economics.
"In 2008, the impact to our area was $8.5 million,” said Nichols.
About 200,000 visit each year. And tourist attractions like the "Snappy Lunch" have long lines waiting. But for many, the real attraction is the music.
The Autumn Leaves festival runs through Sunday.

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