Vendor applications are now open
Cheerwine, the South’s favorite cherry soda, and its hometown of Salisbury announce the annual Cheerwine Festival’s return on Saturday, May, 18, from noon to 10 p.m.
The iconic 107-year-old soft drink’s namesake event will feature live musical entertainment from local and national acts, Cheerwine-inspired food and drinks, family-friendly activities, arts and crafts and more.
“We're thrilled to bring back the Cheerwine Festival to Salisbury, a day filled with great music, unique food and fun for the whole family,” says Joy Ritchie Harper, vice-president of marketing for Cheerwine and fifth-generation founding family member. “This event brings the community together in a meaningful way, and we're excited to see both new and familiar faces as we mark another year of the Festival.”
As the event’s popularity continues to grow, Cheerwine and the City of Salisbury are expanding the footprint this year to accommodate the increasing number of attendees.
"We're enlarging the Festival area, aiming to create an even more spacious and welcoming environment for all our guests and vendors, with the goal of having the most memorable Festival yet,” says Harper.
Vendor applications for food, beverages and crafts are now open at: cheerwinefest.com. Merchants have until Friday, Feb. 2, to submit their application.
The full musical lineup and additional details will be released in the coming weeks.
Since its inception in 2017 to celebrate the soda’s 100th anniversary, the Cheerwine Festival has become a significant event in Salisbury, drawing tens of thousands of people each year and making a substantial economic impact. Last year's Festival alone generated more than $5 million for the city.
"The Cheerwine Festival is more than just a celebration; it's a significant contributor to Salisbury's cultural and economic vitality,” says Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander. “We're proud to host this event that honors our city's heritage. The Festival showcases the best of Salisbury, and we can't wait to welcome attendees from near and far to experience our vibrant community."
Last year’s Festival coincided with “Cheerwine Day” in North Carolina, as proclaimed by Governor Roy Cooper.
For more information on the Festival, please visit: cheerwine.com/festival. Fans can also find details as they are announced by searching the hashtag #CheerwineFest on social media.
Cheerwine: Uniquely Southern
Created in 1917 by L.D. Peeler, Cheerwine is a one-of-a-kind soft drink with a unique cherry flavor. It is an iconic brand from Salisbury, North Carolina. Owned by the Carolina Beverage Corporation, the 107-year-old company is still privately owned and managed by the same founding family, five generations of whom have worked there. Cliff Ritchie leads Cheerwine as president and CEO. Available in supermarkets, restaurants, mass merchandisers and convenience stores in select states nationwide and cheerwine.com. For more information, follow Cheerwine on Facebook at facebook.com/cheerwine or on Twitter and Instagram @drinkcheerwine.