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LEAVE IT TO BEAVER




Former “Leave it to Beaver” star Jerry Mathers had a great time at the 2022 Gallatin Comic Con event.Rick Murray

Former “Leave it to Beaver” star Jerry Mathers had a great time at the 2022 Gallatin Comic Con event.Rick Murray

Everyone has childhood heroes while growing up.

For some, their heroes spring from the pages of comic books, gifted with superpowers that they use to vanquish evildoers. For others, their idols are characters from television shows and movies, and the actors who portray them.

On the weekend of Nov. 19 and 20, these two heroic realms converged at EPIC Event Center for the 2nd annual Gallatin Comic Con festival. Thousands of eager fans attended the event which allowed them to revisit some of their favorite childhood memories.

“We were delighted to host the Gallatin Comic Con again this year,” says event organizer and sponsor Chris Dyer, owner of Towne Square Records & Comics. “We are always looking to bring events to Gallatin that have never been done before.”

Like most Comic Cons, the Gallatin festival featured dozens of vendors who offered a wide range of comic books, graphic novels, action figures, posters, costumes and other specialty merchandise for sale. Serious collectors eagerly perused the vendor booths looking for items to complete their own collections while casual fans browsed for bargains.

Former “Leave it to Beaver” star Jerry Mathers poses with Lauren Dow, the widow of Tony Dow, Mathers’ former co-star, during the cast reunion at Sumner County Tourism. RICK MURRAYRick Murray

Former “Leave it to Beaver” star Jerry Mathers poses with Lauren Dow, the widow of Tony Dow, Mathers’ former co-star, during the cast reunion at Sumner County Tourism. RICK MURRAYRick Murray

However, the Gallatin Comic Con had one unique aspect that set it apart from rival events – it was the official home for the 2022 “Leave it to Beaver” reunion.

“Leave it to Beaver” was a television series that ran from 1957 until 1963. The sitcom featured the antics of a young boy, Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver and his family and friends. After completing its 6-year network run, “Leave it to Beaver” went into worldwide syndication that continues to this day.

Five of the show’s former child actors attended the reunion, including Jerry Mathers, who starred as Beaver, and Veronica Cartwright, who portrayed his classmate Violet Rutherford. Mathers had previously headlined the 2021 Gallatin Comic Con along with his co-star Tony Dow, who portrayed Beaver’s brother Wally. Unfortunately, Dow passed away this summer. However, his widow Lauren Dow was able to attend, and she represented him throughout the event.

Former stars and cast members of “Leave it to Beaver” and “Lassie” were treated to a special reunion dinner at Sumner County Tourism.Rick Murray

Former stars and cast members of “Leave it to Beaver” and “Lassie” were treated to a special reunion dinner at Sumner County Tourism.Rick Murray

Along with the “Leave it to Beaver” cast members, the reunion also featured one additional special guest – Jon Provost, star of the classic television series, “Lassie.” Provost portrayed young Timmy Martin in the classic family show about the adventures of a boy and his dog, Lassie. The show aired in various incarnations from 1954 to 1973, with Provost starring from 1957 through 1964.

Long lines of fans took advantage of the opportunity to meet the actors who were available for photos and autographs. Throughout their appearance, it was apparent that the event was as impactful for the stars as for their fans.

“I was amazed at the turnout and the warm welcomes that we received from everyone who visited with us,” said Provost. “I didn’t feel like I was just greeting fans. Instead, I felt like I was making a lot of new friends.”

Provost’s comments were echoed by all of the special guests, including Mathers.

Sumner County Tourism Executive Director Barry Young poses with former “Leave it to Beaver”, “The Birds” and “Alien” actress Veronica Cartwright during the reunion dinner at the Comer House.Rick Murray

Sumner County Tourism Executive Director Barry Young poses with former “Leave it to Beaver”, “The Birds” and “Alien” actress Veronica Cartwright during the reunion dinner at the Comer House.Rick Murray

“I was humbled to hear all of the comments about how our show and our characters influenced fans as they were growing up,” says Mathers. “It was truly a special time for us as well as our fans.”

After a final day of reunion appearances and merchandise sales on Sunday, the event concluded with a cosplay contest for a large number of costumed participants. Three winners were selected, each receiving a gift certificate to use at Towne Square Records & Comics.

Moments after Gallatin Comic Con 2022 officially ended, work was already underway for next year.

“Our 2022 event was a success, and we are grateful to all of our vendors, special guests and attendees,” says Dyer. “We will work hard to make sure that next year’s Comic Con will be better than ever.”

Former “Lassie” star Jon Provost was ready to meet his fans at the 2022 Gallatin Comic Con event.Rick Murray

Former “Lassie” star Jon Provost was ready to meet his fans at the 2022 Gallatin Comic Con event.Rick Murray

Station Camp High School teacher and comic book fan Drew Van Huss looks for items to add to his collection.Rick Murray

Station Camp High School teacher and comic book fan Drew Van Huss looks for items to add to his collection.Rick Murray

The 2022 Gallatin Comic Con ended with a cosplay costume contest judged by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Three winners received gift cards to Towne Square Comics & Records.Rick Murray

The 2022 Gallatin Comic Con ended with a cosplay costume contest judged by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Three winners received gift cards to Towne Square Comics & Records.Rick Murray

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