Salisbury Students Compete in Cheerwine Festival Design Contest

News Summary

Four talented local students have been selected as finalists in the 2025 Cheerwine Festival T-shirt design contest. With over 150 submissions from 35 schools, students are showcasing their creativity by designing T-shirts that embody the spirit of Cheerwine. The competition not only provides recognition to the students, but the winner will also receive a $1,000 gift card and additional prizes, including art supplies for their teacher. The festival is scheduled for May 17 in downtown Salisbury and promises a celebration of community and culture.

Salisbury Students Shine in Cheerwine Festival Design Contest

It’s that exciting time of year again in Salisbury, where creativity meets bubbly blackberry goodness! Four talented local students have made the cut as finalists in the official 2025 Cheerwine Festival T-shirt design contest. How cool is that?

This contest celebrates the beloved cherry soda that has become an icon across the Carolinas. High school students from all over the region were invited to bring their artistic flair and design T-shirts that capture the very essence of Cheerwine. This year, there were a whopping over 150 submissions from 35 different schools, which is fantastic! A panel of judges comprising prominent community members, including the Salisbury mayor and a fifth-generation family member from Cheerwine, had the tough job of narrowing it down to just ten finalists.

Meet the Finalists

Let’s meet the creative minds behind the top entries:

• Addison Lambert, Rockwell, N.C., East Rowan High School (10th grade)
• Cailey Ludwig, Gold Hill, N.C., East Rowan High School (11th grade)
• Eden Vander Ploeg, Moore, S.C., Dorman Freshman Campus (9th grade)
• Elenore Sisson, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Socastee High School (9th grade)
• Elijah Gulledge, Salisbury, N.C., West Rowan High School (12th grade)
• Elizabeth Linker, Greensboro, N.C., Weaver Academy (10th grade)
• Isabella Dugarte-Carrasco, Greensboro, N.C., Weaver Academy (12th grade)
• Katelyn Roberts, Salisbury, N.C., West Rowan High School (12th grade)
• Lyra Swain, Fayetteville, N.C., Cumberland Academy (9th grade)
• Samantha Culler, Winston-Salem, N.C., John F. Kennedy High School (10th grade)

These talented individuals have until March 21 to gather votes for their designs, so if you have a favorite, make sure to show your support! The winner, along with two runners-up, will be announced in April, during a special ceremony at the festival.

What’s in it for the Winner?

The stakes are high, and the excitement even higher! The lucky winner will not only get a $1,000 gift card but also a shiny commemorative plaque and some fantastic additional prizes to boot. And it’s not just about the students—their teachers are in for a treat too! The winning student’s teacher will receive $500 for art supplies. It’s a win-win!

Cheerwine Festival: Mark Your Calendars!

The 2025 Cheerwine Festival is set for May 17 in downtown Salisbury, and it promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone. Expect live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. After all, who doesn’t love spending a day celebrating the wonderful culture and heritage of both North and South Carolina?

Last year, the festival attracted an impressive over 100,000 guests and generated a fantastic $6.3 million for Rowan County. That’s not just a festival; it’s a community event that brings people together in a celebration of everything Cheerwine!

Vendors Welcome

For those interested in selling their goodies at the festival, vendor applications are now open, with a submission deadline of February 7. So if you have a craft or food product that you think would fit well at this popular event, don’t hesitate to apply!

In summary, the Cheerwine Festival design contest is not just an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity; it’s also a fantastic way to engage with the community and participate in a celebration that has become a staple in the Carolinas. Best of luck to all the artists! May the best design win!

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Additional Resources

• WSOC TV
• WCCB Charlotte
• WCNC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheerwine Festival
• Google Search: Cheerwine Festival