By Sarah Tate Jan 13, 2021 Salisbury's annual Cheerwine Festival is still scheduled to take place this year but with new dates. Originally set for May, the event celebrating North Carolina's favorite cherry-flavored soft drink was moved to Saturday, September 18. Salisbury City Manager W. Lane Bailey said the city was "cautiously optimistic" that COVID restrictions will ease throughout the year as more people get vaccinated. "If restrictions on gatherings are lifted by the summer, we fully intend to welcome folks to Salisbury to celebrate Cheerwine," said Bailey. "However, we will move forwards with the 2021 Cheerwine Festival only with consideration and guidance from state and federal health care agencies."