Cherryville Celebrates Spring at 33rd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

2:21 PM EST |April 29, 2025|Wise News Network|Cheery-Ville Column, Entertainment-Music, Events, Food, News Articles

By: Wise News Network Staff

Cherryville, NC (WNN) – Attendees filled downtown Cherryville this past weekend as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the 33rd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held April 25-26, 2025. The two-day event featured live music, a car show, races, inflatables for kids, and local vendors offering something for everyone.

According to Event Coordinator and City Clerk Mary Beth Tackett, the festival drew a large crowd, with an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people coming to downtown Cherryville throughout the weekend.

It’s important to note that although this year’s festival attracted a large crowd, attendance was lower than the approximately 20,000 attendees reported in 2024. Several factors may have contributed to this decline. Rides, contests, and more entertainment choices were major attractions in previous years but were absent from this year’s event. Additionally, the possibility of rain in the forecast may have discouraged some potential visitors. Furthermore, holding the festival during spring break for local schools could have also affected attendance, as many families might have been on vacation.

Drone Footage of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. April 26th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)

Friday Night Festivities

The festival started on Friday evening, April 25th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., drawing crowds eager to kick off the weekend’s festivities. As attendees arrived, DJ Johnny B set a lively mood by spinning a mix of popular tracks. People strolled through the streets enjoying food and drinks from different sellers and watching kids have a blast on the inflatables.

Attendees at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC on Friday night. April 25th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

At 7 p.m., the live music started with the Black Water Band. This band is from Clarkton, NC, and they’ve been playing for 15 years. They played all kinds of music, from popular songs to blues, funk, and country. Their lively music made attendees get up and dance as they checked out all the fun activities happening at the festival. DJ Johnny B also played music, keeping the energy up before the band’s performance.

People dancing as the Black Water Band played during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. April 25th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Saturday Full of Activities

Saturday, April 26th, was a busy day, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The morning started with some fun exercise thanks to the Gaston County YMCA. First, at 9 a.m., there was the YMCA Bubble Mile, where everyone could run or walk through lots of bubbles. Then at 10 a.m., more runners took part in the YMCA 5K.

Attendees Walking on Main Street during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. April 26th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)

Live entertainment continued on the festival stage with a performance by Brantley Nguyen from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Kenzie’s Dancin’ Out, a local dance group, took the stage from noon to 1 p.m., showcasing a lively routine that added to the festive spirit of the day.

Kenzie’s Dancin’ Out on stage at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. April 26th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)

24th Annual C. Grier Beam Car Show and Cherry Blossom Vendors

A major attraction on Saturday was the 24th Annual Antique Car Show held by the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum. Cherryville became a showcase of automotive history, with owners displaying restored and maintained vintage cars. Attendees could walk by and see the classic designs of the cars. Admiring everything from muscle cars to cruisers from decades past.

Car show during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. April 26th, 2025. By: Mason Beam (WNN)

Approximately 100 vendors lined Main Street on Saturday, selling various goods, including jewelry, custom towels, wooden signs, and home decor. These colorful displays created a lively shopping atmosphere and helped draw visitors to downtown Cherryville.

For those who were hungry or thirsty, there were also Food and Beverage Vendors selling all kinds of food and drinks. Beer was also available for adults at the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce office location. According to Tackett, alcohol sales went well during the festival.

Beer is being sold at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Cherryville, NC. April 25th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Community Spirit on Display

Organizers credit the festival’s success to the teamwork of city staff, volunteers, vendors, and local businesses who dedicated their time to come to the festival. Looking ahead, Tackett shared that the plans for next year’s Cherry Blossom Festival are already being discussed. Exciting possibilities include bringing back rides and exploring a few other new ideas. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay tuned for more details as they develop.

Residents and Visitors can visit the City of Cherryville’s website for updates on upcoming events and participation opportunities.

Did you attend the Cherry Blossom Festival this year? If so, what did you think?