A UF woman could be the next face of Cheerwine.
The second annual Miss Cheerwine contest is open to Florida women ages 21 to 25. This is the first year Florida residents can enter the contest, because Cheerwine expanded distribution into Florida in October.
"It's a great opportunity for young women to have the experience of a lifetime by exploring the South and connecting with a variety of Cheerwine fans," said Shani Malloy, a 25-year-old senior account coordinator of The Thomas Collective firm, which represents Cheerwine.
The winner of this year's Miss Cheerwine contest will also promote Cheerwine throughout the U.S. Malloy said the company's goal is to make the brand available in all 50 states by the company's 100th anniversary in 2017.
Participants living in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia are eligible to apply for the contest through Cheerwine's Facebook page until March 5. The contest started Jan. 17.
Due to the popularity of last year's Miss Cheerwine contest, Cheerwine will let fans decide the winner, Malloy said.
Fans will vote on three finalists chosen by the company starting April 2. A winner will be announced through Cheerwine's Facebook page around April 28, Malloy said.
Cheerwine was created in 1917 by general store owner L. D. Peeler in Salisbury, N.C.
The drink was introduced to Florida for the first time in October.
Victoria Colson, a 21-year-old public relations junior, said she is a fan of Cheerwine, but she does not plan to participate in the contest.
"I think it's a good idea," she said. "I don't think I would [participate] because I have a bunch of internships going on."
Julie Rothe, an 18-year-old information systems freshman, said she has liked Cheerwine for about two months.
"It's a pretty tasty drink," she said. "It's cherry-flavored, but it doesn't taste like medicine. Plus, I like being able to drink out of the glass bottle."
Aside from not being a Florida resident or of age, Rothe said she would be interested in participating in the contest.
"That would be awesome to travel around the South and meet new people," she said. "Being called ‘Miss Cheerwine' would be amazing."
