Cherryville’s Unique New Years Tradition: The New Years Shooters
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN)— 35 miles west of Charlotte, NC, the small town of Cherryville boasts a unique tradition: the Cherryville New Year Shooters. Every New Year’s Day, the city erupts with the sound of musket fire as residents and visitors gather to celebrate the start of the year with this centuries-old tradition of loud booms and spirited chants.
The Mummers’ Legacy: How Cherryville’s Tradition Traveled South
This tradition, originating in Germany, was introduced to the United States by settlers during the Colonial Era. The historical shooters were known as Mummers. They settled in Pennsylvania during the Colonial Era, carrying the shooting tradition with them. The Mummers have historical significance and shot their muskets for George Washington, the first US president. The descendants of Cherryville can be traced back to the Mummers. Germanic settlers migrated south from Pennsylvania, and many of their traditions followed. These settlers brought with them the practice of “mumming” — singing, shooting muskets, and playing instruments to welcome the new year. While cities like Philadelphia kept the parade part of the tradition, Cherryville focused on musket firing and chanting, blending customs with its own local flair.
Landmarks Honoring the Tradition
Visitors to Cherryville can discover several places that celebrate the New Year Shooters. A statue in Heritage Park, dedicated in 1999 with support from Mayor Jack Davis and local shooters, celebrates this long-held tradition. Nearby, a colorful mural on Mountain St, created in 2016, shows the spirit of the shooters in action. The Cherryville Historical Museum also has an exhibit about the tradition, with artifacts, photos, and videos. The museum is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A Legacy of Leadership
Charles Sisk, the 86-year-old president of the Cherryville New Year Shooters, has been participating in the event for an astounding 77 years. “I love it. I just have a lot of fun doing it and meeting people,” Sisk shared. For Sisk and others, the tradition not only wards off evil spirits and blesses the crops but also serves as a way to connect generations and preserve history.
The Tale of the Cake Incident
Over the decades, Sisk has witnessed countless memorable moments. One unusual story he shared involved a participant who loaded a piece of cake into a musket instead of the usual black powder. The incident caused serious injury. “We had one guy who blew a couple of his fingers off. My understanding was he put some cake in his gun, and it blew the barrel,” Sisk recounted.
Modern-Day Challenges and Expanding Reach
The Cherryville New Year Shooters have grown significantly over the years, with more than 500 participants expected for the upcoming celebration. Despite its popularity, the tradition has faced scrutiny. Recent social media posts showcasing the shooters’ activities near school properties sparked debates, but organizers clarified that their lease with Rudisill Stadium includes a clause allowing ceremonial musket firing under North Carolina law.
Two Groups, One Tradition
Although the Cherryville New Year Shooters and the Traditional New Year Shooters both celebrate the same custom, they are separate groups. The split occurred in 1955 due to differing organizational preferences, such as leadership roles and routes. Today, both groups maintain their own schedules and stops, but they share the same commitment to preserving the unique New Year shooting tradition. This division allows for more participants and coverage, ensuring the celebration remains a vital part of the community.
An Inclusive and Enduring Celebration
The event has drawn participants from across the country, representing diverse backgrounds and states as far as Pennsylvania and Florida. The group accepts all different kinds of shooters, ranging from young children to seniors who have participated for decades. Despite challenges like inclement weather, the shooters continue their 19-hour route, which spans three counties (Gaston, Cleveland, and Lincoln) and includes 50 stops.
The Cherryville New Year Shooters Route
The Traditional New Year Shooters Route
Each group will be starting at midnight with the Cherryville Traditional New Years Shooters starting at Cherryville City Hall during a City event from 10:30 PM to 1:00 AM, and the original Cherryville New Years Shooters starting at Black’s Grill and ending at Rudisill Stadium at 6:30 PM.
Safety and the Spirit of New Year Shooting
While the tradition is steeped in fun and festivity, safety remains a priority. Participants use muskets, some of which are historic pieces, and ensure that they follow safety protocols to avoid injuries. “We’ve had some incidents over the years, but we’ve learned to keep things safe,” said Sisk, reflecting on the importance of caution while maintaining the authenticity of the custom.
Looking Ahead to Another Year
As Cherryville prepares to ring in 2025, the New Year Shooters stand ready to uphold their cherished tradition. “It’s important to keep this going,” Sisk emphasized. “I hope it continues for generations to come.”
A Grand Finale at Rudisill Stadium
For anyone wanting to experience living history firsthand, Cherryville’s New Year Shooters offer an exciting and energetic way to welcome the new year. The celebration concludes with a grand finale at Rudisill Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, providing spectators with a memorable close to this unique tradition.
Want to Know More?
To learn more, visit the Cherryville Shooters official website for additional information, history, and details about upcoming events.
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