What started as a general discussion about cancelling the annual downtown Cheerwine Festival, grew into an idea of a full-fledged, virtual event complete with shopping, games and music.

Streamed on social media as a live premiere, the fourth annual Cheerwine Festival was created with pre-recorded videos from Mayor Karen Alexander; event emcee, Katie Garner; five musical acts; and Cheerwine, Food Lion and Hotwire commercials interspersed. 

The $46,003,307 balanced General Fund budget reflects a 3.17% decrease in spending from the FY20 adopted budget due to expected shortages related to COVID-19. In addition to the General Fund, the Water/Sewer Fund, Transit Fund, Broadband Fund, and Stormwater Fund comprise the overall City budget totaling $82,528,220. This total sum also includes Special Revenue Funds (CDBG & HOME) and Capital Reserve Funds. Bailey proposes maintaining the current tax rate of $0.7196 for the fiscal year as to not burden the Salisbury community in the midst of economic challenges.

The City of Salisbury will operate on the following schedule for the Memorial Day holiday, Monday, May 25:

Cheerwine, the 103-year-old soft drink from Salisbury, N.C., and its hometown will host a Virtual Cheerwine Festival on Saturday, May 16, at 5 p.m.

Last month, Cheerwine and the City of Salisbury announced plans to cancel the annual outdoor event that draws tens of thousands of people and instead host a virtual celebration for all to enjoy from the safety of home.