Chicago Sun Times
The rural character of the Lake County Fair can put one in a Mayberry state of mind, in deference to the iconic popularity of the “Andy Griffith Show.”
This year, the connection will be more obvious, with “Barney of Mayberry” patrolling the Grayslake fairgrounds July 30 to Aug. 1.
Not Don Knotts, the real Barney Fife, but a pretty good likeness in the person of Scott Epperson.
Epperson comes with some pretty impressive credentials. A detective with the Dunn, N.C., Police Department, Epperson shares the same hometown as Andy Griffith -- Mount Airy, N.C., the inspiration for Mayberry.
Epperson said his second job as a Barney impersonator came at the suggestion of fellow officers when organizers of a local festival were looking for something to entertain kids at the event.
He now appears at festivals and other events, as the opening act for concerts and in commercials and music videos. He has worked with George Lindsey, who played Goober on the “Andy Griffith Show.”
He said he loves playing the role of Barney, a character that appeals to all ages.
“I love everything about it. Putting a smile on people’s faces and making them laugh,” Epperson said. “I don’t know any character I would like more.”
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