Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Gaston County, NC (WNN) - It is no secret that towns and cities across America put their best foot forward when celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Our capital lit up the sky with a barrage of explosions; other cities had misfires, sending off thousands of dollars' worth of rockets at once. Yet Gaston County celebrated in a way that is unique to the culture surrounding us.
The main event for the entire county was held in Dallas, NC. The America 250 Independence Day Parade was held starting at 2 PM at the courthouse square. Many of the mainstays of our county could be found celebrating our country’s freedom. The parade, headed by the antique Dallas VFD Engine No. 2 to show hometown pride, stretched on with hundreds of entries. Politicians, local groups, and emergency responders from throughout Gaston County were the most common sight. However one group, with traditions dating back before our country was even founded, showed how a small city in the upper corner of Gaston County shows its spirit.
Alongside Cherryville’s local officials and officers, one Cherryville group could be heard no matter where you were in Dallas’ parade. While those unfamiliar with the town may assume an explosion on the Fourth is a firecracker, the trained ear of a local knows that sound well: The Cherryville New Years Shooters. This group shoots off muskets to bless occasions. Black powder is said to ward off bad luck and bring luck. Before each round of shots, the chant can be heard, just as significant as the booming blessing itself. However, the day was busy for the group, and Dallas wasn’t their first stop.
Of course, before traveling across the county, the group could be found in their hometown of Cherryville. In the morning, Cherryville held its own parade, which was something that could only happen in a small, close-knit town. The yearly golf cart parade celebrates one of the luxuries of being in such a rural city, alongside the celebration of our country. Almost daily, you can see people driving their 4x4s, golf carts, and sometimes even lawn mowers across the city. On the Fourth, these people show out and turn up in droves, filling the city’s Main Street with carts, decked out with tassels, posters, and flags to show their pride for their home.
This celebration gives way to another ceremony, with this year being especially potent for the 250th anniversary of the nation. In Cherryville’s Gazebo Mini Park, several of the local organizations helped to put together speeches and uphold the traditions of the town. The opening delivered by Cherryville Mayor Wade Stroupe showed just how strongly a town with less than 7000 people can support their homeland.
“We gather together today not just for celebration, but to bear witness to a remarkable milestone in human history. 250 years ago, our founders declared a bold vision of freedom, equality, and self-governance. Today, we honor that promise.”
- Cherryville Mayor Wade Stroupe
The restless crowd quieted as Stroupe spoke those words. The town holds not just patriotism, but also a strong religious culture, which could be felt as Pastor Scott Homesley delivered the invocation. He spoke on playing in the marching band under Bill Sneed 50 years ago in 1776. The names spoken are well known to the small town. Other speakers, such as Jeff Cash, came forward to represent the Sons of the American Revolution. He spoke on much of the history of the area, but not just in regard to the Revolutionary War. He also spoke on the sacrifices made in so many other wars and how our small town has seen representation through all of it.
The group stood together in solidarity as the colors were presented by the American Legion Post 100 Honor Guard. After a reading of the preamble, a three volley salute was prepared as well as the ringing of the bell. With those who have passed honored the ceremony began to wrap up. Songs honoring our country were sung, speeches were given, and finally, to cap it all off, the New Years Shooters ended the ceremony with their blessing. There is no question that within a small town in Gaston County, its citizens are proud to be Americans.
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