Muskets Fall Silent as New Year’s Shooters Honor Key Players

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – As the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters put up their muskets for another year the community reminisces on 2024’s festivities. Shooters, hosts and community members alike joined together for the annual New Year’s Shooters Host Dinner. 

The event occurred Friday, February 2, 2024, at the American Legion Post 100 in Cherryville. The Cherryville New Years Shooters Inc. organized this event to thank hosts for inviting them to shoot on their property.

This year, 51 hosts stepped up and welcomed the shooters. Some of the hosts have been a part of the shooter’s tradition for decades. For example, Black’s Grill and the Dave Black Family have hosted the shooters for around 75 years. 

However, new families are always welcome to host the shooters as well. Rusty Wise, the secretary for the New Year’s Shooters, said several new families took on the host position this year. 

Being a host is considered an honor in the city. Judy and Jack Bingham have hosted the New Year’s Shooters for many years; Judy Bingham’s maiden family hosted for years before them. The shooters have visited Judy Bingham in some capacity since 1933.

“We look forward to it every year.” Judy Bingham said, “It’s just a highlight of our year when December 31 comes. The whole family enjoys it.” 

The Binghams are history lovers and believe that honoring tradition is imperative. 

“I love tradition and I like to keep old traditions, worthy of keeping, alive.” said Jack Bingham. 

Aside from honoring the hosts, the banquet also serves as an opportunity to highlight memorable shooters and upstanding residents of Cherryville. Several locals have been integral to the New Year’s shooting tradition. 

“We like to recognize people and we appreciate what people do for our organization.” said Wise. 

Two community members were awarded with certificates of appreciation. 

Michael Powell was the Editor for the Cherryville Eagle newspaper. He retired in December 2023, after 17 years of solo reporting. Powell highlighted the New Year’s Shooters every year. By documenting the shooters’ in the newspaper, Powell helped keep the tradition alive.

He said he could not have done it without the support of his wife Susan.

“He’s done a lot for Cherryville and he’s done a lot for the New Year’s Shooters. This is a certificate of appreciation for Michael Powell, for his excellent media coverage and support for the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters.” said Wise. 

Although shocked upon hearing his name, Powell graciously accepted the certificate. 

The other community member to receive recognition was Pat Sherrill. Sherrill volunteered and held a position as the director of the Cherryville Historical Museum for nearly 30 years. She assisted the shooters with preserving their history. With her assistance, the shooters were able to enact a new exhibit in the museum. 

“She has given her life to history and has been a big part of the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters. At this time I would like to give this certificate to Pat Sherrill, for her dedication to history and support for the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters.” said Wise. 

Sherrill has always advocated for Cherryville’s history. She worked tirelessly as a volunteer at the museum and constantly encouraged community members to become more involved in historical preservation. 

Additionally, several New Year’s Shooters were honored with Shooters’ Gold Medals. This is the first year medals were distributed, however, it will most likely be a recurring tradition. 

The first two medals were given to two novice shooters. Matt Aldridge and his son Maddox Eldridge participated this year after finding the tradition intriguing. 

It is common for inexperienced shooters to take breaks in between hosts, but Aldridge and Eldridge shot at every stop. The New Year’s Shooting event takes place over 19 hours with little downtime. It is quite a feat for two new shooters to make it to every spot. 

After the two new shooters received their medals, a veteran shooter was also honored. Charles Sisk, the president of the Cherryville New Years Shooters, has been shooting for 75 years. 

Sisk did not know he would be receiving an award and was surprised by the recognition, however, he was honored.

“I appreciate the honor; I started in 1948 when I was 10 years old. I have enjoyed it and I hope to be able to do it again.” said Sisk. 

The banquet serves as a heartwarming reminder of gratitude. As much as the New Year’s Shooters appreciate their community, the feelings are reciprocated by the residents of Cherryville. 

From hosts to shooters and everyone in between, it is apparent that this impactful tradition is one widely celebrated in Cherryville. As one banquet goer pointed out, “There are only 11 months until it’s time to New Year’s shoot.” The community waits excitedly to hear the muskets again.  

To learn more about the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters visit: https://cherryvilleshooters.com

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