Clay City sports programs have been in the headlines several times over the years. Beginning with the Eel’s 1926 Wabash Valley Basketball Championship, athletic excellence continued, peaking when the Eel basketball squad won five sectionals in the 1970’s, capped by a regional championship in 1974. The Eel high school baseball team continued the winning tradition with a 1997 sectional title. Repeated honors were also awarded to the town’s adult teams, the Clay City Comets. From 1960-1990, those Comet basketball and fast-pitch softball teams won over 2500 games, 350 tourney-league trophies and six state championships. Additionally, over the last decade, the Clay City band has won five state division championships, played at the presidential inauguration in Washington DC. and received many other honors. Most recently, Clay City’s "Mayberry of the Midwest" sign, slogan and the image that represents, captured America’s interest and attention. The Today Show (audience of 16 million viewers) broadcast the "Mayberry of the Midwest" story live on February 4, 2000 with locals Daryl Andrews and Jo Beth Haviland being interviewed. In this publicity aftermath, more than two hundred newspapers nationwide continued the coverage, while numerous magazines and other media outlets stated they will be doing follow-ups, articles and interviews throughout the year. The media attention continues as an additional two-dozen local and national television and radio stations have aired interviews and segments comparing the fictional Mayberry to the real life town and citizens of Clay City. Public response (to date) has generated over four hundred and fifty calls, E-mails, faxes and letters of support for the Mayberry slogan, as well as requests for the town’s tourism schedule of events.

     Because of overwhelming local and national response to the Clay City "Mayberry of the Midwest" association, the Town Council, Town Planners, Clay City USA and other Betterment Committees have exciting plans for promoting and improving our town. These include new fire and police stations, water line upgrades, historic renovation of several downtown buildings, tours of the Clay City Pottery, Loggers, Sawmill as well as a downtown visitor’s center. Several locals are presently processing grants for the relocation and renovation of the nearly 100 year-old Brown one room schoolhouse and old railroad depot as well as grants for community tree planting and an Eel River boat launch site. Plans also include a local nature trail, new ordinances designed to improve the visual appearance of our town, flower and tree beautification projects, a community Christmas decoration and lighting contest, a spring ‘most beautiful yards’ contest, our own historical exhibit and a Mayberry themed car show.

     The "Mayberry of the Midwest" theme continues with the possible future consideration of an exact set recreation of the interior of the Mayberry Sheriff’s office featured so often on the Andy Griffith Show. Thanks to generous donations from local businesses and citizens, an authentic replica of the show’s early 1960’s black and white squad car has been restored and has served as the town symbol in over a half dozen parades, festivals and charitable fund raisers. In addition, "Mayberry of the Midwest" merchandise sales and community cookbook have proven popular and a town flag, commemorative stamp and a Welcome Wagon for new residents is under consideration. Several merchants and individuals are investigating bringing Mayberry-related characters such as Don Knotts (Barney), George Lindsay (Goober), the Dillard’s Band (the bluegrass Darlings), and imitators David Browning (the Mayberry Deputy), Alan Newsome (Floyd the barber) and Phil Lee (Ernest T. Bass) here for performances. Other entertainment being considered include musical tributes to the Beatles and Elvis Presley, gospel groups, concert bands, actor recreations, historic portrayals and other favorites our community requests and supports. Just recently, the local Free Methodist Wabash Park Campground announced expansion plans that include a two thousand seat combination auditorium-concert stage-gymnasium complex. If all goes well, additional plans include an indoor swimming pool, Conference Center/Lodge, upgraded cabins, recreational vehicle parking and other exciting improvements over a ten-acre expansion. Campground officials stated they will have an open house in 2006 and announced a more open, "neighborly" policy allowing their facilities to be made more available to Clay City and the surrounding community.

     Many community upgrades are possible because a local benefactor has established a non-profit community foundation providing some of the necessary funding to accomplish community objectives. Private monies and grants will fund other projects, further revitalizing the town. An Internet page, with calendar of events, information on businesses and churches was launched in 2000 with planned expansions and periodic updates. With the historic renovation of several downtown buildings, Clay City will become much more visually appealing in the next few years. What the town does offer until then, is unparalleled Mayberry - style hospitality, friendliness and merchants and locals who "go the extra mile" for people.

     Visitor’s letters have described Clay City as "a town in a time capsule" and "a throwback to the days when people waved to friends, knew neighbors on a first name basis and took time to enjoy visitors." Visit Daryl at the A & W, Cheryl at the Pottery, Danielle Pizza Galllery, Kim at The News or Denetta at Town Hall for some local examples of "Clay City Hoosier Hospitality."

     Clay City has two major events, the Pottery Fest on June 11 and 12, 2006 and the Clay City Fair July 11th to 15th, 2006 with the parade night on Wednesday,  July 12th, and fireworks night on Saturday July 15th. These events are always well attended, drawing thousands of area and out-of-state visitors to our community.

     Clay City is located on State Highway 59 intersected by highways 157 and 246. It is twelve miles south of Interstate 70, 35 miles from both Terre Haute and Bloomington, 70 miles from Indianapolis and ten miles from both Shakamak State Park and Dietz Lake Campground. Eighteen miles north of Clay City is the Brazil industrial park anchored by Great Dane Trailers, while eighteen miles to the southwest is the Terre Haute Industrial Park anchored by Heartland Steel. A Howard Johnson’s motel is within twelve miles. Even the Cory golf course is a mere ten miles away, for any golfing enthusiasts.

     Clay City’s slogan is "Mayberry of the Midwest", and we hope we continue to be regarded as "the friendliest town in Indiana." Though people come here as visitors, we hope they’ll feel so welcomed, they’ll return as old friends.