Jamie Lester (left), sculptor of the Don Knotts statue, poses with Todd Massillon, who dressed up as Barney Fife for the unveiling of the statue Saturday.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The legacy of Morgantown legend Don Knotts was alive and thriving July 23, as a statue of his likeness was unveiled outside High Street’s Metropolitan Theatre.
Fans came from near and far, so many that one lane of High Street had to be temporarily closed for the ceremony. Some traveled vast distances for a relatively short stay. Among them was James Pierce, who attended the event on behalf of the Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club.
“It’s a great honor for one of the veteran comedians for our time,” Pierce said.
John Pyles, the organizer behind the statue, said he has been raising money since 2007, and it was a great feeling to see it finally unveiled.
Morgantown resident Mary Ann Boczek described Knotts as “a true hometown treasure…