The 2026 Annual New Years Shooters Dinner

Posted Thursday, February 12, 2026 9:51 am

By: Ashley Reep - Wise News Network

"It truly is a blessing, an honor, and it's a tradition unlike any other,"

– Cherryville City Mayor Wade Stroupe

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - One month after the Die Salve shot at Rudisill Stadium, the Cherryville New Years Shooters Inc. came together to celebrate tradition at the annual shooters dinner on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Guests stand in line for food at the dinner | February 6, 2026

A little girl wearing a festive New Year's hat | February 6, 2026

The 2026 New Years Shooters Dinner | February 6, 2026

President Charles Sisk attends the New Year's Shooters Dinner | February 6, 2026

The dinner, which has been a longstanding shooter tradition for over the past 40 years, is a large gathering that brings together friends and family for generations. The event opened with Ken Henley blessing the food, and everyone started digging in. After dinner, Cherryville City Mayor Wade Stroupe thanked everyone for coming to the event. "It truly is a blessing, an honor, and it's a tradition unlike any other," he stated during his speech.

Cherryville Mayor Wade Stroupe gives a speech to the guests attending the dinner | February 6, 2026

Ashley Reep (WNN)

Recognition

Following the mayor's speech, speaker Rusty Wise began to recognize the officers and chanters of the New Year's Shooters, which includes:

Officers:

President Charles Sisk
Vice President Mike Dellinger
Secretary Rusty Wise
Treasurer Donnie Alexander
Greeter Curt Brown
Safety Michael Dellinger

Chanters:

Mike Ross
Warren Chapman
Justin Chapman
Donnie Alexander
Austin Gates
Burgess Beam
Curtis Kester

Photos:

Ken Henley

A Tradition Rooted In History

With the 2025-2026 New Year's Celebration, the Cherryville New Year's Shooters were made up of 550 members. Wise mentioned the tradition's deep roots in Cherryville by noting that the shooters had attended the funeral of Robert Scott Rudisill earlier that day. He shared the significance of that moment, as the Rudisill family also holds a lasting place in the community, with Cherryville High School's football stadium named Rudisill Stadium.

Awards Night

Various people made the host list, which was recognized, and without them, the shooters would not have been able to travel and hold events throughout the community. Following the host list, Wise takes a moment to recognize a select group of people who stood out as the most dedicated shooters.

These folks received a New Year Shooters gold medal:

Donnie Alexander was recognized for his dedication to preserving the Shooters tradition, as well as being the lead chanter and consistently stepping up to serve at the funerals of those who had requested the shooters presence.

Next, Wise recognized brothers Jason and Brian Kiser for their consistent attendance at meetings, their unwavering commitment, and for speaking up when they believe it is in the shooters' best interest.

The three medal recipients in the center with officers - Charles Sisk, Donnie Alexander, Jason Kiser, Brian Kiser, Rusty Wise (left-right) | February 6, 2026

Charles Sisk gives away a gold medal | February 6, 2026

Donnie Alexander receives a gold medal at the dinner | February 6, 2026

Donnie Alexander gives a speech | February 6, 2026

Donnie Alexander recognizing Rusty Wise | February 6, 2026

Rusty Wise describing the gold medals | February 6, 2026

Brian Kiser receiving his gold medal | February 6, 2026

Jason Kiser receives his gold medal | February 6, 2026

Donnie Alexander pictured wearing his gold medal after the dinner | February 6, 2026

Close-up of one side of the New Year's Shooters medal | February 6, 2026

After the awards, the dinner came to a close. Friends and families took pictures and food home with them. As Wise concluded, "Be safe, stay healthy, and we'll see you in 2027."

You can stay up to date with the Cherryville New Year's Shooters on their Website here or Facebook page here.