Christmas in Mayberry by Veronica Gayle

There have always been avenues to bring the arts to Owen County residents — from music

performed at local events to artisans and crafters at fairs and festivals, poetry readings, and

plays at schools and churches. The county has a wealth of talented people. In recent years, the Owen County Council for the Arts has been a driving force in bringing a variety of artistic

expressions to the forefront of Owen County culture.

The Community Theater, part of the Council for the Arts, brings together many facets of artistic expression. Since 2017, the holidays have been punctuated with a Christmas play. Many people in the county start their holiday season with Christmas in Mayberry.

Many of us have grown up with the cast of characters from Mayberry. We relate to their

homespun humor and genuine care for friends and neighbors. We laugh at the antics of Ernest T. and Barney because their humor is lighthearted and good-natured. And we connect with the heartwarming characters of Aunt Bea and Thelma Lou because they speak to home, family, and the true meaning of community.

The Mayberry play highlights the holiday experiences of some of the show’s most beloved

characters and how the spirit of Christmas brings them together — ultimately leading to a change in the life of a crotchety store owner who has been wreaking havoc on the mental health of everyone he encounters. In the end, everyone has cause to celebrate the true “reason for the season.”

This year’s performances will be held Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.

and 7 p.m. at the Owen County High School auditorium. The performances are free to the

public, but donations are cheerfully accepted. Funds go to the Council’s scholarship fund and to the creation of future events.

The Mayberry play set in motion a desire for more theater offerings in the county. Fortunately, it attracted talented people whose skills went well beyond acting. Dale and Marianne Turner have emerged as outstanding members of the theater community. This year, the Community Theater offered its first full season of plays.

In response to the growing appetite for theatrical productions, Dale and Marianne wrote a new play that would be fun and relatable — The Hunting Trip. It follows the antics of five friends on their annual hunting weekend getaway. This laughter-filled play inspired the cast to create a sequel, The Fishing Trip, coming in spring 2026. The same group of friends embarks on a hilarious ice-fishing misadventure. You won’t want to miss it.

Generally, events hosted by the Council for the Arts are designed to be family-friendly. The Council has hosted events such as Arts in the Park, which gave artists and crafters a

summertime venue to display and sell their unique goods at the fairgrounds for a weekend of fun, food, and excitement. Evening with the Artist combined introductions to local attractions, such as bed-and-breakfasts, with the work of local artists. Locations were strategically chosen to spotlight hidden treasures within the county.

Poetry readings take place nearly every winter, warming hearts with laughter and friendship.

House concerts, typically held in early fall, bring together food, artisans, and music. The most recent concert, held at The Ebony on Slippery Rock, featured performances by John Harrod & Kentucky Wild Horse and Honey & Houston — a night that drew enthusiastic crowds eager for an evening of entertainment with friends and family.

The Council for the Arts and Community Theater offer something for everyone throughout the year. Follow them on Facebook for updates on upcoming events. If you’re interested in getting involved, contact the Owen County Council for the Arts.