The Town of Forest City is excited to announce the dates for the 2024 Cherry Bounce Festival! Named after local moonshiner Amos Owens’ famous drink “Cherry Bounce”, the Cherry Bounce Festival has something for everyone!
The festival takes place at Forest City Pavilion of Park Square (POPS) located at 153 Park Square on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8.
The Cherry Bounce festival pays homage to Rutherford County’s Amos Owens and his famous Cherry Bounce, as well as North Carolina bluegrass/Americana music, and regional artists.
Owens, an energetic Irishman, was known throughout the southeast United States as the “Cherry Bounce King”. His Cherry Bounce moonshine was a combination of corn-based whiskey, honey, and local cherries from nearby Cherry Mountain. He began to acquire land in and around Cherry Mountain in the mid-1840’s. His career as a distiller started well before the Civil War in the era of tax-free spirits. After serving two periods of enlistment during the war, he returned home to Cherry Mountain to once again begin distilling. However, during the war, a heavy tax had been imposed on spirits. Owens was opposed to taxes on alcohol and believed he owed nothing to the government. Often arrested for his activities involving the production and distribution of his Cherry Bounce, Owens frequently had to pay fines and spent time in jail and prison.
Every June, Owens hosted lively gatherings at his home, the Castle, which he boasted was one story high and three stories long, atop Cherry Mountain to celebrate the harvest of the cherries.
Owens passed away on September 18, 1906 and is buried at Walls Baptist Church Cemetery in the nearby town of Bostic. Today his story lives on in his descendants, Josh Owens, star of Discovery Channel’s docudrama, “Moonshiners” and Lucas Owens, Brand Ambassador, South Mountain Distilling Co.
The festival kicks off on Friday, June 7, with a free concert featuring the Grammy nominated bluegrass band, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys! Formed in 2014 as the house band at Ole Smokey Mountain Distillery in Gatlinburg, TN, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys entertain audiences with their hard driving traditional bluegrass music. Their album “Toil, Tears, & Trouble” was nominated for the Grammy’s 2020 Best Bluegrass Album. They have been nominated three times for the IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award. Gates open at 6:30pm and music begins at 7:30pm. Concessions will be available.
On Saturday, the Festival begins at 10am and runs until 6pm. Live music begins at 10:00am with Finkelstein Three. This trio of talented musicians hails from Shelby and entertains audiences with their progressive bluegrass playing everything from Bill Monroe to The Beatles. The Wilder Flower performs at 12PM. Since meeting in 2020 at the Hagood Mill Fiddlers Convention, this trio of young, female musicians from western North Carolina has been engaging audiences with their three-part harmonies, outstanding instrument picking and everything in between. Greenville, SC-based Reedy River String Band takes the stage at 2PM. With seasoned musicians this relatively new three-piece band has a growing fan base that enjoys their witty songs and bluegrass music. The day ends with the Asheville based Songs from the Road Band. This high energy progressive bluegrass supergroup takes flight with “virtuosic picking, singing, and Grammy award winning songwriting”. Member Charles Humphrey is an IBMA award & Grammy award winner with his former group Steep Canyon Rangers.
The festival concludes at McNair Stadium as the Forest City Owls take on the Macon Bacon. First pitch is at 7:05PM.
The festival also spotlights regional art vendors. Pottery, paintings, and jewelry are just a few of the items that will be featured.
South Mountain Distilling Company, Blue Ridge Distilling, and Dorado Rock LLC will be on site with tastings during the festival.
Younger festival goers will enjoy the kid’s zone. Located beside the Santa House, the kid’s zone has activities suitable for all ages, including adults.
Concessions from local/regional food trucks will be available.
Main Street restaurants and businesses will also be part of the festival. Restaurants will be serving cherry inspired drinks and dishes and many businesses will be holding special sales and discounts.
Other items of interest throughout the day include the Rutherford County Farmers Market, open on Saturday from 8am-12pm and the nearby 13.5-mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail. Pick up a Cherry Bounce Festival Brochure at the festival that features a map of the Cherry Bounce Trail and drive along the 46.6-mile trail that’s filled with natural beauty, historic sites, and memories of Amos Owens.
