celebrity guests of the film festival. Dr. Fred Eichelman, right, is the longtime organizer and retired educator.
PHOTO BY EDMEE CR HASLER
The third annual Happy Trails Film & Television Festival wrapped up Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Community Church in Salem, drawing together fans, celebrities, and creatives for a weekend of storytelling, nostalgia, and inspiration.
A festival with heart
“It’s not just a festival. It feels more like a reunion,” said Dr. Fred Eichelman, longtime organizer and retired educator. “We don’t consider ourselves a convention—we consider ourselves a media event.” Dr. Eichelman, who taught for 40 years, founded the original Roicon convention decades ago and has since helped shape what has become one of the most heartfelt and unique gatherings in the region.
The event included authors, producers, directors, and actors, many with deep ties to classic television and cinema. What sets Happy Trails apart, Eichelman said, is the community-driven spirit—and the final day, which concludes with a church service.
Remembering Roy Rogers
Among the honored guests was Dody Rogers, daughter of Hollywood legends Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
“It’s the only event I know that ends with going to church,” Rogers said. “There’s something uplifting about that.”
Though she shies away from the label “celebrity,” Dody is writing a memoir about growing up as the youngest child of the iconic Western stars.
“I was adopted as a baby in 1952,” she shared. “Their television series ended when I was around five or six, but the love and values I was raised with have stayed with me.”
Tammy Locke Shines
Another standout guest was Tammy Locke, a former child actress, roller derby queen, and author of I Can Do Anything. Her book, available on Amazon, chronicles her whirlwind life and the challenges of fame at a young age.
“I was raised in a workaholic family,” said Locke. “My father worked at Northrop Aerospace. He made sure our feet stayed on the ground.”
Locke also reflected on her experiences growing up around other young stars, including Will Robinson of Lost in Space, Eddie Munster of The Munsters, and the cast of Daniel Boone.
“I never went off the rails like so many other child actors,” she said. “My parents taught us that if one path doesn’t work, you just choose another way. That’s why my book is called I Can Do Anything.”
Locke is also an inventor, noting that some of her creations were purchased by Northrop Corporation. “They patented it and paid me,” she said proudly. “One of them is actually in my book.”
A festival of firsts
Dr. Eichelman shared the origins of the festival, tracing it back to a high school science fiction club and its first guest: screenwriter Leigh Brackett, known for Rio Bravo and The Empire Strikes Back. Over the years, the event has grown to include media stars and even a scholarship program for high school seniors in writing, acting, art, and science.
“We had no idea what a convention was when we started,” Eichelman said. “We just knew we wanted to bring people together.”
He recounted advice from his former college roommate, a pastor: “Fred, you’re going to have to be the shepherd.” That phrase stayed with him. “I like to think of it as a ministry,” he said. “Inspiring others, helping them discover what they’re meant to do.”
Giving back
Happy Trails is a nonprofit event, with all proceeds supporting cancer research. This year, funds went to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.
“We originally supported the American Cancer Society,” said Eichelman, “but found too much went to administrative costs. The John Wayne Foundation guarantees funds go directly to research.”
A Family feel
Festival guests are treated like family. Rather than separating stars from fans, guests are seated at tables with attendees during the event’s banquet.
“Most conventions charge a lot for banquets, and you might not even get to talk to a guest,” said Eichelman. “Here, every table has a guest, and lifelong friendships are formed.”
The closing moments of the event saw hugs, promises to return, and gratitude shared among guests and organizers alike.
“Are you happy today?” someone asked Dr. Eichelman as the festival wound down.
“Yes,” he smiled. “Very much so.”
