In the end, hilarity and sentiment carried the evening. The Billies offered their thanks to Disneyland for bringing them together, and keeping them on beyond that single summer for which they had been hired. The crowd roared their approval in longer and louder ovations as the day progressed. And even the Country Bears were shown the love that was always a big part of Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. After taking their leave a final time, the Billies took the stage for one last encore. It was, fittingly, a Disney song, and one whose message was perfectly suited to the occasion. The sweetly lilting tune and lyrics to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” marked the end of an era. With a final, precise bow, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies bade a fond farewell to Disneyland, Frontierland, and the many friends they had made over the years.
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