2024 Gallatin Con to Celebrate 50 Years of Happy Days

On October 26 and 27, 2024, Gallatin Comic Con (GCC) will be hosting a reunion of the original cast of the old television show “Happy Days.” The event will feature former cast members Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Donny Most.

“Happy Days” premiered on January 15, 1974, after being a segment of the anthology show “Love American Style.” The show followed the life of Richie Cunningham, a 1950s teenager, his friends and family. While it started as a heartfelt look at Richie’s experiences, it was re-tooled after a drop in viewership and became a successful broad comedy that ran for 11 seasons. It became one of the most successful shows of the 1970s.

“Remember when we were kids watching TV, and we never thought we would get a chance to meet our favorite stars?” asked Chris Dyer, Co-Founder of Gallatin Comic Con. “At GCC, I have strived to create more than just a comic con, but a place where fans can come to make memories that last a lifetime. You can’t put a price on good memories. It is our hope that you will come and meet the Happy Days cast on the 50th anniversary of the show!”

The show featured Ron Howard, of Opie fame, as Richie; Henry Winkler as greaser mechanic Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli; Don Most as Ralph ‘the Mouth” Malph, and Anson Williams as Warren“Potsie” Weber. Other characters included Richie’s parents, his sister Joanie, and later Fonzie’s cousin Charles “Chachi” Arcola played by Scott Baio.

Happy Days spawned more spin-offs than almost any sitcom in history, including Laverne and Shirley, Joanie Loves Chachi, Blansky’s Beauty’s, and Mork and Mindy starring Robin Williams.

Gallatin Comic Con will also include appearances by musician Micky Dolenz, the only surviving member of the mid-1960s pop rock band The Monkees; renowned Marvel comics artist Greg Land , known for his work on “The Fantastic Four” and “Uncanny X-Men”; recording artist and voice actress Samantha Newark from “Jem and the Holograms”; Makenzie Phillips of “One Day at a Time”; and Jimmie Walker known for playing JJ on “Good Times.” All actors and musicians will be on-hand to sign autographs and host fan meet-and-greets.

The sold-out exhibit floor will host 70 comic book and retail dealers from five states who will display and sell a wide variety of comics, toys, and collectibles from the world of pop culture and comic culture.

Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character to participate in Gallatin Comic Con’s cosplay contest. The Adult CosPlay Contest will take place at 3:30 p.m. in room 1 on Saturday, October 26, and a Kids’ Cosplay Contest will occur at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 27.

There will also be various speaker panels and workshops that will cover a range of topics from comic book creation to the latest in geek culture.

Produced and hosted by Gallatin’s Town Square Records and Comics, over the last five years Gallatin Comic Con has become a Middle Tennessee destination for celebrating everything from the world of American pop culture and comic books. Since its inception in 2019, Gallatin Comic Con has hosted an array of iconic American pop actors, including lead cast members from the hit TV series “Leave It to Beaver” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the scene, there’s something for everyone at Gallatin Comic Con. The 2023 event drew more than 5,200 people to Gallatin Civic Center, where it will once again take place. It is located at 210 Albert Gallatin Avenue.

The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets start at about $30.00 including sales and service charges. Tickets can be purchased here.