The drizzle of rain outside did not dampen the spirits of those gathered in the Andy Griffith Playhouse Saturday morning.

A packed house served as the witnesses for the official ribbon cutting for the newly completed Andy Griffith Collection Museum.

Joining the numerous Mayberry fans were the architects and contractors responsible for the museum, board members for the Surry Arts Council, Mayor Jack Loftis, Rep. Sarah Stevens, celebrities and Emmett Forrest, the man charged with carrying the torch with the collection, and his family.

“You’ll find that Emmett’s collection is the most wonderful collection you’ll ever see, and it has found its permanent home. I truly was moved to tears,” said Nancy Malone, Surry Arts Council president, of her first trip inside the museum. “You can see that dreams really do come true.”

Loftis and Stevens thanked those gathered in the Playhouse for their support of the Mayberry ideal and Mount Airy’s continued quest to embrace it.

“Mayberry Days is one of the things we count on and appreciate and we just enjoy you being here,” said Loftis. “We want to always welcome you. This is one of those dates that will be charted on our calendar for years to come.”

“This is home. Every move I’ve ever made always brought me back home,” said Stevens. “There are simple basic facts The Andy Griffith Show teaches us and we live them. There’s no place like home. We will welcome you any time.”

As some of those present gathered at the front of the stage to cut the ribbon, the rest of those on the stage raised their hands in unity.

“All of these people on the stage will symbolically have a hand on the ribbon,” said Loftis before Forrest did the honors.

Malone encouraged everyone to return next year for the 50th anniversary of TAGS milestone, promising new memories for Mayberry Days patrons.

“It’s a wonderful gathering of family and friends who all come together for one purpose,” she said. “So ya’ll come back next year.”

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.