Organizers of this year’s Mayberry Days estimate attendance will exceed the thousands of visitors that came to Mount Airy for the 50th anniversary of “The Andy Griffith Show” because of the passing of Andy Griffith, George Lindsey and Doug Dillard this year.

Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surry Arts Council, said there is no way to count how many people attend Mayberry Days each year, but she is confident that this year will be the biggest yet.

This year’s special guests include actors Betty Lynn, Maggie Peterson, Ronnie Schell, James Best and Dean Webb. Karen Knotts will be on hand to perform her stage show “Tied Up in Knotts,” which commemorates the life of her father, Don Knotts, who played deputy Barney Fife.

Also, George Lindsey Jr. will be returning for his second year and will be part of a tribute to his late father, who played the role of Goober Pyle. Lindsey’s tribute will be held on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Earle Theatre.

“This year’s schedule of events is probably the largest we’ve ever had,” said Jones. “Fans will have many opportunities to meet and greet the special guests, and enjoy Mayberry-themed performances. There will also be special events to honor the memory of those we’ve lost in the last year: Andy Griffith, George Lindsey and Doug Dillard.”

The Mayberry Days proclamation by Mayor Deborah Cochran that will feature celebrity guests will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at the Blackmon Amphitheatre.

For dedicated “Andy Griffith Show” fans, one of the neat aspects of Mayberry Days is the appearance of actors who made brief — yet memorable — appearances on the classic sitcom. This year’s lineup includes Morgan Brittany (Opie’s first love), Jackie Joseph (Ernest T. Bass’ Sweet Romina), Margaret Kerry (Helen Scoby and Bess Muggins) and Peggy McCay, who portrayed Griffith’s high-school sweetheart at his high school reunion.

Lynn, who was Thelma Lou on the show, will be grand marshal of Saturday’s parade that will begin at BB&T on Saturday. She moved to Mount Airy in 2007 and is the local ambassador of all things Mayberry.

Music, always a big part of the show, plays a key role in Mayberry Days as well. Live shows are scattered throughout the festival, including the Doug Dillard Tribute concert at the Andy Griffith Playhouse on Friday at 2 and 7 p.m.

Mayberry Days concludes on Sunday with the “Hometown Tribute to Andy Griffith” at the Blackmon Amphitheatre at 9:30 a.m. The tribute will feature local musicians playing Griffith’s Grammy-winning gospel hymns, led by the Grace Moravian Church Band. There also will be a sing-along for those in attendance.

For Mayberry Days information, call the Surry Arts Council at 786-7998, or go to: www.mayberrydays.org.

A full-schedule for Mayberry Days is listed here.

Reach Mondee Tilley at mtilley@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.

Thursday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Mayberry Days Information, 2012 and 2013 tickets, lower level Andy Griffith Playhouse.

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Visitors Center, 200 North Main St.

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Mayberry Postmark, Us Post Office, 111 South Main Street

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Autographs, memorabilia, special guests, lower level Andy Griffith Museum And lower level Andy Griffith Playhouse.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Silent auction, Cross Creek Country Club, Golf Collectors’ Treasures donated by Golfer Thad Daber and Leonard Black of the Washington Redskins.

11:30 a.m. - Trick Golf demonstration by Thad Daber, Cross Creek Country Club, golf tournament. Ticket required.

12:15 p.m. - Mayberry Days Golf Tournament, registration, rules and introduction of Mayberry Days guests, Ticket required, Cross Creek Country Club, $95.

12:30 p.m. - Mayberry Days “Ernest Tee Off,” Cross Creek Country Club. Ticket required.

2 to 3:30 p.m. - Autographs, memorabilia, special guests, lower level Andy Griffith Museum And Andy Griffith Playhouse.

4:30 to 6 p.m. - Special guest autograph session, Cross Creek Country Club, dinner and entertainment. Ticket required.

5 to 7 p.m. - Mayberry Days Dinner/Buffet, Cross Creek Country Club, Ticket required, $50

6 to 8 p.m. - Mayberry Days Golf Awards And Entertainment, Cross Creek Country Club; Ticket required.

7 to 9 p.m. - Jam Session, Earle Theatre, free.

8 to 10:30 p.m. - The Tams, Blackmon Amphitheatre, $15 or 2012 Season pass.

Friday

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Mayberry Days Information Station, Andy Griffith Playhouse, 2012 and 2013 Mayberry Days Tickets, Trivia Contest Entry Fans $2, Mayberry Idle registration, trivia and checkers tournament sign-up.

8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Little Blue Choo will take visitors on a guided “Discover the Loop” tour of downtown. Pick up and drop off is in Andy Griffith Playhouse parking lot. Admission is $5.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. -Mayberry Days Horseshoe Pitching, sponsored by the “She Called Me a Creatster” Chapter of TAGSRWC, The Mayberry Days Horseshoe Pit is located at the back of the Andy Griffith Playhouse parking lot. Play for fun any time during Mayberry Days.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Chester Jones Checkers, lower level Andy Griffith Museum, Practice up for the championship on Saturday.

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Mayberry Postmark, U.S. Post Office, 111 South Main Street.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Aunt Bee’s Bake Sale, Mr. Tucker’s Apple Peel-Off and Pickleland, sponsored by Mount Olive Pickles, Andy Griffith Playhouse.

Noon to 2:30 p.m. - James Best autographs, lower level Andy Griffith Playhouse.

11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - TAGS episodes. A question and answer session following episodes with “stars” when possible, all of the following will be in the lower level of the Andy Griffith Museum.

12:30 p.m. - Karen Knotts presents “Tied Up in Knotts” Earle Theatre, $15.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. - Pork Chop Sandwich Eating Contest, Snappy Lunch. Check in with staff at Snappy Lunch when you order and let the waitress know that you are entering. Ages 18 and over. Mary Dowell is final authority on all contest questions.

1 to 2 p.m. - Mrs. Wiley’s Tea with the Chamber Chicks will again host Mrs. Wiley’s Tea featuring Jackie Joseph “Sweet Romeena” at the Chamber of Commerce on the corner of Main and Moore Avenue. The Chamber Chicks will be serving free punch and cookies as long as they last. They can also provide you with information about the area - call them any time at 1-800-948-0949, 786-6116, or online at www.visitmayberry.com.

2 p.m. - The Doug Dillard Band Tribute with Ginger Boatwright, Dean Webb, Maggie Peterson, LeRoy McNees, Richard Bailey, Roger Rasnake, Buddy Griffin, Jim Vipperman, and others, Andy Griffith Playhouse, $25.

2:30 p.m. - Mayberry Days Pie Eating Contest, Andy Griffith Playhouse, hosted by the “Shake Down! Shake Down!” Chapter of TAGSRWC featuring Aunt Bee’s Crustless Cream Pies. Two heats will be held. There will be first, second and third place trophies for each heat. Register at the Information Station. Prizes will be presented by special Mayberry Days guests. Allan “Floyd the Barber” Newsome will lead the judging.

3:30 p.m. - “Mayberry Minute Men” Youth Trivia Contest at the Blackmon Amphitheatre. A $2 souvenir fan required from the Information Station.

4:15 p.m. - An Afternoon with James Best, Get to know James Best as he tells stories and shows video clips from his 60 years in show business. From Jim Lindsey to Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. Earle Theatre. $15.

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. World Championship of TAGS Trivia, Blackmon Amphitheatre, Trivia competition is hosted by the “Hearty Eatin’ Men and Beautiful, Delicate Women” Chapter of TAGSRWC. A souvenir Mayberry Fan $2 is required for participants and may be obtained at the Mayberry Days Information Station. Trophies and prizes awarded.

5 to 5:30 p.m. - Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off Chief Cook’s meeting, backstage, Andy Griffith Playhouse.

6 p.m., after trivia - World Championship of “Fast Gun Fife’s Rapid Fire Response” game led by its creator, Scott Hopkins, You must have a trivia fan to enter. There will be a trophy for winner. This game was never released for sale. This will be held at the Blackmon Amphitheatre.

7 p.m. - “Waitress” - $5, Earle Theatre.

7 p.m. - The Doug Dillard Band Tribute, Andy Griffith Playhouse. Admission is $25.

7 p.m. - Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off Showmanship Judging followed by the arrival of the pigs, Andy Griffith Playhouse Parking Lot.

9:30 p.m. - VW Boys “Salute to Mayberry” with special guest LeRoy McNees, Earle Theatre, $10.

Children’s games will be available all day.

11:30 p.m. - “The Foster Lady,” episode featuring Ronnie Schell.

Noon - “The Guitar Player Returns,” episode featuring James Best.

12:30 p.m. - “Class Reunion,” episode featuring Peggy McCay.

1 p.m. - “Mayberry On Record,” episode featuring LeRoy McNees.

1:30 p.m. - “A Girl for Goober,” episode featuring George Lindsey, Jr.

2 p.m. - “Guest in the House,” episode featuring George Spence.

2:30 p.m. - “The Darlings are Coming,” episode featuring Dean Webb and Maggie Peterson.

3 p.m. - “Opie’s First Love,” episode featuring Morgan Brittany.

3:30 p.m. - “My Fair Ernest T,” episode featuring Jackie Joseph.

4 p.m. - “Andy Forecloses,” episode featuring Margaret Kerry.

Saturday

8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Mayberry Days Information Station, Andy Griffith Playhouse, 2012 and 2013 tickets. Registration for “Mayberry Idle.” Sign up for Checker Competition.

8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Little Blue Choo will take visitors on a guided “Discover the Loop” tour of downtown. Pick up and drop off is in Andy Griffith Playhouse parking lot. Admission is $5.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Mr. Tucker’s Apple Peel-off $2, Competition will be held at the Information table in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Steady hands have remarkable results. The trophy will be presented at the Information Station at 4 p.m.

9 a.m. - Mayberry Days Parade begins at BB&T and ends at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. Leading the parade will be Betty Lynn. Also featured will be the UNC-School of the Arts Award Winning Mascot “The Fighting Pickle” who will go immediately to Pickle Land following the parade. Special guests will include the Potato Queen and Pork Princess, the Pickle Queen and Little Miss Bacon Bit.

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Jam session at the Earle Theatre. Tickets are $5.

10 a.m. - Bounce houses for kids in the field beside the Blackmon Amphitheatre.

10 a.m. to noon - Mayberry Days Silent Auction hosted by “Who’s Been Messin’ Up the Bulletin Board?” chapter of TAGSRWC in front of the Andy Griffith Playhouse at the marquee. Check out their special items including one-of-a-kind handcrafted Mayberry items. Be back before Noon to claim your high bid and pay for items won.

10 a.m. - Mayberry Days Barbecue Sales, Andy Griffith Playhouse. Fresh off the cooker barbecue will be sold until it’s gone. Sandwiches are $5 or $10 per pound.

10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Autographs and memorabilia sales with special guests, lower level Andy Griffith Museum and lower level Andy Griffith Playhouse. Lines will form at each table. Look for the “End of the Line” signs.

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Merry-Go-Round, second longest running live radio broadcast in the nation, WPAQ 740 AM, Earle Theatre. Tickets are $5.

11 a.m. - Mayberry Days Barbecue Cook-off awards presentation, Blackmon Amphitheatre.

11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. - Southern Mountain Fire Cloggers, Blackmon Amphitheatre.

Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Chester Jones Checkers Competition hosted by the “Mayberry” chapter of TAGSRWC. Sign up to play in the tournament at the information station. The tournament is a round robin and the trophy winner is the player who wins the most games. The trophy will be presented at the end of the tournament. Both practice and the tournament will be held on the stage in the lower level of the Andy Griffith Museum.

12:15 to 2 p.m. - Live music by Country Classics at the Blackmon Amphitheatre.

1 p.m. - Goober Says “Hay Bale Toss” and Corn Toss Championships, located across the street from the Andy Griffith Playhouse. There will be a trophy for the winner.

2 p.m. - Professor Brower’s Lecture followed by TAGSRWC Annual meeting. Professor Brower’s will look at the Andy Taylor character and Andy Griffith’s talent and guiding influence. He will have Betty Lynn on stage with him during the presentation. Earle Theatre, $10.

2 p.m. - Mayberry Idle. Register at the Information Station for this competition and receive a copy of the guidelines. Winners will perform during Colonel Tim’s Talent Time evening performance! Jeff Branch will host the show and judges will be on hand to select the winners. Blackmon Amphitheatre.

2:30 p.m. - Colonel Tim’s Talent Time, Andy Griffith Playhouse, $25.

5 p.m. - Tribute To George Lindsey, Neal Brower Takes A Look At George’s Favorite Episode “A Man’s Best Friend.” The Tribute Will Feature Reflections And Comments From George Lindsey Jr. Earle Theatre. Free

7 p.m. - Michael Hoover’s “Memories of Elvis,” Mayberry’s King, one of the finest entertainers in the business. Earle Theatre. Tickets are $20 and $15.

7:30 p.m. Colonel Tim’s Talent Time, Andy Griffith Playhouse, $25

Sunday

8:30 a.m. - Sagebrush Breakfast Booth in Andy Griffith Playhouse Parking Lot offering sausage biscuits, pork tenderloin biscuits, biscuit and gravy, cinnamon rolls and Danish pastries, coffee, bottled water and sodas.

9:30 a.m. - Hometown Tribute to Andy Griffith featuring the gospel music of Andy Griffith at the Blackmon Amphitheatre.

11 a.m. - Mayberry Days Annual Goodbye Lunch at Sagebrush.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - The Andy Griffith Museum will be open.

4 and 7 p.m. - “Waitress” is playing at the Earle Theatre. $5.