By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Cheerwine will get its time to shine Saturday as the company celebrates its 100th anniversary, but the soft drink is also getting a tribute from Congress.

U.S. Rep. Ted Budd, R-N.C., introduced a resolution Wednesday that recognizes the 100th anniversary of Salisbury-based Cheerwine. The resolution commemorates the important role that the soft drink has played in North Carolina culture, a news release said.

“As the oldest family-owned and -operated soft drink company, Cheerwine has seen and contributed to our economic growth for the past 100 years,” said Budd. “It has provided hundreds of jobs throughout the years, spreading as far back as the Great Depression. I’m proud to introduce a resolution that will recognize the significance of the 100th anniversary of this symbolic cherry soda and acknowledge its contribution to North Carolina’s food culture and unique local character.”

Budd, who represents the 13th District, will attend the Saturday celebration in Salisbury, according to his staff. Cheerwine’s birthday bash will be from noon to 8 p.m. along two blocks of North Main Street in Salisbury.

Budd’s district includes Salisbury and much of western Rowan County.

His resolution starts by recounting the 100-year history of Cheerwine.

In 1917, L.D. Peeler founded Cheerwine in Salisbury, and it survived the Great Depression. In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower became the first commander in chief to try the drink. George H.W. Bush tried Cheerwine in 1992 while visiting the town of Faith. President Barack Obama also tried the soft drink.

Budd’s resolution calls for the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the significance of  Cheerwine’s 100th anniversary and its contribution to North Carolina’s food culture and its local character. It says that family businesses such as Cheerwine provide good-paying jobs and are the building blocks of the U.S. economy.

Budd’s House Resolution 329 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.