Celebrities and fans get together in Salem for ‘Happy Trails Film and Television Festival’

SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — The skies over the Roanoke Valley may be covered by clouds, but people in Salem will still be able to see the stars of the human variety this weekend.

Celebrities from current and vintage programs and movies will be attending the Happy Trails Film and Television Festival May 17-19 at the Community Church on Main Street in Salem. The festival gives fans of classic movies, westerns, and family films a chance to meet and speak with the people they grew up watching.

Judd Lormand from television’s current series “Seal Team” will be there. Rebecca Holden from “Knight Rider,” “Magnum PI,” and “The Love Boat” will be meeting and greeting fans. She says coming to the event in Salem is like a family reunion.

“It’s always rewarding and a blessing to meet with the fans and hear how all our work has touched their hearts.  It’s a real honor to hear these things and have conversations with them.  We love it as much as the fans do, “ said Holden.

Holden’s latest project is a film with Darby Hinton of “Daniel Boone” and Johnny Cash’s son, John Carter Cash. “Was Once A Hero” is currently making its way around film festivals.

Former “Family Affair” star, Kathy Garver, returns to the Happy Trails Festival this year.  In addition to getting her start in “The Ten Commandments,” the Hollywood veteran has found continued success as a voice actress and commercial actress. Garver is a favorite at comic conventions for her portrayal of “Firestar” in “Spider-man and His Amazing Friends.”

Garver will introduce her latest movie, “The Empty Church,” when it premieres at the Festival at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18. 

Other celebrities scheduled to appear include “Star Trek” actress Spice Williams-Crosby, Laurie Prange, Dale Evans, and Roy Roger’s daughter Dodie Rogers.

Writer and columnist Ann-Marie Murrell, actress Sandra Williams and her actor husband Will Ford, are also among the celebrities appearing.

The event also features panels and workshops for people interested in developing an interest in the entertainment industry.

The Happy Trails Film and Television Festival runs from Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19 at the CommUNITY Church at 1923 E. Main Street in Salem.