SALISBURY – The city of Salisbury and Cheerwine, the iconic family-owned soft drink that has called the city home for 101 years, are teaming up to host the third annual Cheerwine Festival in downtown Salisbury, on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

The festival began in 2017, when Cheerwine commemorated its 100th birthday by inviting Cheerwine fans of all ages to Salisbury to enjoy plenty of Cheerwine, live music, a barbecue contest and more as part of its “Centennial Celebration.”

The celebration returned in May 2018, this time with musical headliner Sister Hazel taking the stage. The 2017 and 2018 festivals each had more than 30,000 attendees.

Following the popularity of the now annual event, Cheerwine fans once again will have an opportunity in 2019 to enjoy ice-cold Cheerwine, live musical entertainment, great Southern food, shopping for Cheerwine merchandise, family-friendly activities, a beer garden and local craft vendors.

A full list of food, arts and crafts vendors and musical acts will be announced at a later date.

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. Owned by the Carolina Beverage Corporation, the 101-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.