Looking for a unique event to ring in the new year of 2024? Cherryville, North Carolina has a pretty wild tradition of annual New Year’s Eve shooting events dating back hundreds of years. Accompanied by loud chants, this is a loud and rowdy way to ring in the New Year.
How to Make the Most of the NYE Shooter Event in Cherryville, North Carolina

According to the event’s official website, German, Scotch-Irish, Swiss, Dutch, and French immigrants settled in the Indian Creek and Howards Creek areas north of present-day Cherryville, North Carolina. These early European settlers brought with them age-old traditions, which is how Cherryville residents ended up firing muskets every New Year.
Visitors looking to have fun should take note of some special tips and tricks before packing up and heading to the Tar Heel State. We’ve got everything from travel tips to event details to a little more history about the New Year’s Eve shootings.
Participate in a pre-shoot meeting


Throughout the month of December, the Cherryville Shooters have pre-shoot meetings where dues are collected, shooters can get ID badges, merchandise is sold and the group holds safety meetings. A pre-exhibition shoot will also be held, giving visitors a chance to get involved before the big day.Check out Cherryville, North Carolina event website For the full schedule, see If you’re just attending an event, this isn’t necessarily necessary, but if you want to join in the fun, it only helps to be prepared.
Get your shooter membership ID in advance


Speaking of preparation, it is your duty to: Get member ID If you plan to participate in the shooting. According to the event’s website, dues are collected to continue historic preservation efforts, which makes sense considering New Year’s Eve filming has been going on for at least 250 years. Membership is only $15 a year, and you don’t have to be a marksman to officially join.
However, please note that if a child under 18 participates as a shooter at a New Year’s Eve event, parental consent and insurance will be required. However, all shooters, regardless of age, must have a membership ID, so it’s ideal to attend a pre-shoot meeting or call ahead to arrange membership.
Check out Shooter’s event documentary online


Want to learn a little more about the history of the Cherryville, North Carolina area, especially the New Year’s Eve shoot? Watch the documentary online to get the full experience! Purchase a physical copy on the Shooter’s website You can also watch everything easily. Free on YouTube.
According to the site, the video was shot in 2000 and edited in 2021, and includes photos taken on New Year’s Eve from the past 100 years. With archival footage, photos, interviews with shooters, clips from previous year’s celebrations, and more, you’ll become a Cherryville expert in plenty of time before the 2024 event.
Book a hotel in Cherryville


If you are coming from outside the prefecture, accommodation is required. There are several well-known hotel chains near Cherryville, North Carolina, each with their own amenities. Nearby Shelby, North Carolina is just 20 minutes from downtown Cherryville. Country Inn and Suites Free Wi-Fi and gym included.a Comfort Inn We are also located in Shelby and offer free WiFi. Both options are budget-friendly.
or, White Rose Manor is a bed and breakfast located in Lincolnton, North Carolina, just a 16-minute drive from Cherryville. However, please note that at this location all guests have a shared bathroom upstairs. If you’re looking for a boutique experience, this may be the one for you, especially for visitors looking to extend their trip and double up on the other beautiful seasonal Christmas destinations North Carolina has to offer.
Practice the Cherryville Chant


In addition to musket shooting, New Year’s Eve shooters also participate in traditional chants. If you’re heading to Cherryville for filming, you might as well practice for the other half of this famous event. This chant is several lines long, so you’ll probably need some memorization or an index card with notes on it. According to the event’s website, Cherryville’s early settlers walked from house to house shouting songs to welcome the new year.
Similar to the rationale behind musket shooting, loud noises were believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits that lingered around. The beginning of this chant begins with a cheerful, “Good morning, teacher.” We wish you happiness, health and longevity in the New Year. God will give it to you as long as you remain under it. ” There is still much to learn, but in the cold New Year’s air you will love shouting out verses of benevolence and good will along with everyone.
Please pack your luggage accordingly


Spending time outdoors on New Year’s Eve may require some forethought, both for tourists and those returning from shooting. People with sensitive ears may want to bring earplugs or earmuffs to dampen the sound of live musket fire. Cold weather gear such as a coat, thick socks, scarf, and gloves are also essential.
The festivities start at midnight and last until 6:30pm the next day, so if you’re staying throughout the event, you might also want to bring snacks, drinks, and other items to keep you energized.check complete schedule Knowing which parts you will be participating in will also help you pack thoroughly. Be sure to also check the airport and airline rules regarding carry-on baggage and prohibited items to avoid common and serious travel mishaps.
get goods


What’s a musket shooting event without memorabilia? Luckily, visitors can get their Cherryville Shooting patch below. Event online store. Merchandise will be available for purchase at the pre-shoot meeting, and some items will be on sale at the New Year’s Day festival. Whether you participate as an archer or a spectator, purchase merchandise to take home a piece of history and support an ongoing tradition.
For more than two centuries, Cherryville, North Carolina has hosted annual New Year’s musket shootings and mob-rousing shooting events. If you’re looking for something different this year, New Year’s Eve shooters might be the perfect group for you. Visitors and outsiders are of course welcome. You might also create a new favorite annual tradition. You will join the thousands of archers who have gone before you over the past 250 years. Join the fun and “shoot” to start the new year!