SALISBURY — Kendall Grubb, a long-time resident of Lexington, has been named Miss Cheerwine 2013.
Cheerwine’s Facebook fans chose Grubb as the candidate “who best embodied the iconic values and Southern roots” of the cherry-flavored soft drink that is owned and distributed in Salisbury.
Now in its third year, the search for Miss Cheerwine 2013 saw the largest number of entries to date due to the expansion of the age requirements for eligible applicants and the inclusion of Alabama, Delaware, Kentucky, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., to the state pool.
Grubb, who lives in Nashville, grew up 20 miles from Cheerwine’s headquarters in Salisbury and said the effervescent soft drink was a staple of her childhood.
“Cheerwine has always been a part of my family gatherings, community events and special memories,” Grubb said. “So for me, Cheerwine is more than a soft drink — it’s an experience that connects me to a very special time in my life.”
As Miss Cheerwine, Grubb said she is excited to share her experiences with fellow enthusiasts, as well as introduce new fans to the “Nectar of the South.”
A self-proclaimed “Cheerwine fanatic,” Grubb attended college at Belmont University in Tennessee, where she became known for sharing her affinity for the uniquely flavored beverage with her classmates.
In her new role, Grubb will travel throughout the South sharing good cheer with fans of the soft drink and giving others the chance to try it for the first time.
Cheerwine is a 96-year-old company that has been owned and operated by the same family in Salisbury for four generations. The beverage has been produced with its original recipe since 1917, making it a staple of soft drink lore for nearly a century. In 2010, the Miss Cheerwine contest was first introduced with a mission to find the modern day muse who most exemplifies the distinct characteristics of the sparkling drink.
“Cheerwine is an independent, Southern company that has real passion, real stories and real cheer — and Kendall shares all of these qualities,” said Joy Ritchie, assistant brand manager for Cheerwine. “We admire the fact that she is community-minded, family oriented and spirited. She could not be a more perfect fit as our newest brand ambassador.”
For more information on Miss Cheerwine, to vote, apply or view program guidelines and requirements, visit the Miss Cheerwine Search tab on Cheerwine’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/Cheerwine.