SALISBURY — Cheerwine has kicked off its third annual search for Miss Cheerwine by expanding to five additional markets this year, making it the company’s largest search to date.

The company says “smart, charitable and effervescent young ladies between the ages of 21 and 29” are being encouraged to apply for the year-long position, which will include representing the brand and making appearances at select sporting events, concerts and media opportunities.

“My time as Miss Cheerwine was a whirlwind,” says Bria Freed, Miss Cheerwine 2012. “I threw the first pitch at a Smokies game, attended sampling events throughout the year, made radio appearances and even saw the Avett Brothers live at the Legendary Giveback Concert.

“It was truly a year I will never forget, and I wish all this year’s applicants the best of luck. I am so grateful to Cheerwine for providing me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

This year, female residents of Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., will be eligible to enter, as well as those from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Georgia.

Entrants are required to submit a photo accompanied by an essay explaining why they deserve the coveted title.

The expansion of the Miss Cheerwine 2013 search notably supports the company’s goal of achieving national availability by their 100th anniversary in 2017.

“The 2013 search for Miss Cheerwine is bigger and better than ever,” says Joy Ritchie, assistant brand manager for Cheerwine. “We are excited to find a brand ambassador who exudes the same unique, impassioned qualities of our fans, and who also knows that Cheerwine is more than just a soft drink — it’s a way of life.”

The contest opened Monday, and the deadline for final submissions is April 5. Cheerwine judges will choose three finalists, who will each create a video introducing themselves to fans via the brand’s Facebook page. Public voting will determine which applicant “best embodies Cheerwine’s signature effervescence and individuality,” the company said in a press release.

Miss Cheerwine 2013 will be announced on or about June 5.

The third annual search for Miss Cheerwine comes at a pivotal time for Cheerwine, as the brand recently garnered national attention when industry veteran Dan Martin joined their team to lead the company’s sales and distribution efforts after leaving his 27-year tenure at PepsiCo.

For more information on Miss Cheerwine, to vote, apply or view program guidelines and requirements, visit the Miss Cheerwine Search tab on Cheerwine’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/Cheerwine.

Launched in 1917 by L.D. Peeler, Cheerwine is owned and distributed by the Carolina Beverage Corporation and Cheerwine Bottling Co. in Salisbury. The 96-year-old company is still privately owned and managed by the same founding family; four generations of whom have worked there.

Cliff Ritchie serves Cheerwine as president and chief executive officer.