Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. CAVE CITY, Ark. CAVE CITY, Ark. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. Through the years, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Filed Under . Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. This three-day event will be held July 28-30th and will include entertainment, fun vendors, yummy food trucks, a parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, which is courtesy of the watermelon growers in the area. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. Published: Jul. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. The fact is, growers begin working to bring the melons to the area months before with preparations long before the plants even go into the green-houses and eventually into the earth where they will grow. Among the growers, are one family who are in their third generation of production of the luscious fruit of summer. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. BREAKING: Student arrested for crime involving explosives, Growers prepare for Cave City Watermelon Festival, Trip to Mr. Ts pays off for lucky lottery winner, Jonesboro police investigating 2 reported shootings, Plans for new Sikeston fire station moving forward, Buddhist monks to create mandala sand painting at Lyon College. One thing the city does to try and avoid this problem is that all certified Cave City watermelon growers put a sticker on their melons to show where they are from. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. The Hunter Brothers are located in Cave City. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! 4:00pm: Free Watermelon Feast - Behind Melon stage. Julie is one of the only growers who began utilizing social media to promote their products and she feels the videos she posts have helped more than anything. Cave City watermelons are so unparalleled that there is a list of registered growers who put stickers on their products so buyers know their watermelons are official Cave City Watermelons. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. People would travel for miles around to attend theses meetings, sometimes called union meetings or tent revivals, where two or more church de-nominations would hold meeting at the same time and place. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. The Taste of Chicago has a pretty exhaustive Wikipedia page, which is a pretty good indication that the event is practically built into the citys DNA. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. With a wagon and team, Worsh hauled his melons out of the field and placed them in Big Creek near present day North Ridge Road to cool. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! We try really hard to produce a great product. To contact our registered growers,. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. Sadly, this year will be the first time the city will have to cancel the event due to health and safety concerns pertaining to COVID-19. Many of these families moved to that area from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, etc., and settled along the creeks and waterways in the more temperate climates away from the mosquitoes and malaria of Eastern Arkansas. As far back as 1938 a Melon Growers Association for Sharp and Independence counties was organized at Cave City, with the following officers elected: President, Fred Anderson; Vice-President, Wilburn Jackson; Secretary, Marvin Bull; and Treasurer, Orville Girtman. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. It is not just a piece of fruit, its more than that, its a memory. He said that is why they try so hard to ensure their melons come off at the perfect time. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. Grower Brian Carter can trace that blood back to his great, great grandfather who hauled melons from Sandtown by wagon to sell in Batesville in the early 1900s. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. In earlier years, before the creation of the town, the cave had belonged to the Horn family, and was known as Horns Cave. Our trip starts in Cave City so whether you choose the route to Black Rock or the route to Mammoth Spring, there are a few places you need to check out before you leave town. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery One of the nations oldest fish hatcheries established in 1903, it was built to take advantage of the natural spring and proximity to the railroad. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. Cave City School - All School Reunion Time: 12:00 p.m. Place: Cave City Middle School Cafeteria Watermelon Games - for the public Time: 1:00 p.m. Place: In front of the Melon Stage Watermelon Growers Games Time: 3:00 p.m. Place: In Front of the Melon Stage Free Watermelon Feast Time: 4:00 p.m. Place: Behind the Melon Stage Calico Rock Arkansas Main Street Network will be hosting a Fundraiser for The Sean Hunt Memorial on March 11th from 11 am to 4 pm. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. There is also a thriving art and music scene. The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. Other students moved into town and boarded with family, friends, or in boarding houses which were made available to entice more students to the school. We were all so excited. Annual student art exhibition is Feb. 27-March 17 at Lyon College Kresge Gallery, reception is March 2, Works of Lyon College Professor of Art Dustyn Bork featured in two Batesville exhibitions, Jacksonport State Park to host dinner, mock trial based on historic events Trial based on actual 1885 events and trial, Bubble, Bubble, Toil & Trouble: A Soapmaking Workshop Saturday, February 25, 2023, 9:00am . Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. To contact our registered growers, check:. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. This three-day event will be held July 28-30th and will include entertainment, fun vendors, yummy food trucks, a parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, which is courtesy of the watermelon growers in the area. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. The continual hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands. Julie Johnson, the committee member of the Watermelon Festival, said she is excited, but nervous as she has seen the increase in COVID cases statewide. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. Marks Fly Shop Anglers that enjoy fly fishing will want to check out Marks fly shop for all the latest gear and custom tied flies. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . Millies From fried catfish to grilled steak to a homemade casserole, you never know what you will find at Millies, but its guaranteed to be good eating! It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. Annual student art exhibition is Feb. 27-March 17 at Lyon College Kresge Gallery, reception is March 2, Works of Lyon College Professor of Art Dustyn Bork featured in two Batesville exhibitions, Jacksonport State Park to host dinner, mock trial based on historic events Trial based on actual 1885 events and trial, Bubble, Bubble, Toil & Trouble: A Soapmaking Workshop Saturday, February 25, 2023, 9:00am . CAVE CITY, AR (KAIT) - It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. The Street family has maintained a controlling interest in the bank since the time of Roe Streets election in 1919. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. CAVE CITY Cave City bills itself as having the "world's sweetest watermelons." Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. The Cave City Watermelon Festival will take place July 26-28 at the Cave City city park. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. YP advertisers receive higher placement in the default ordering of search results and may appear in sponsored listings on the top, side, or bottom of the search results page. The Cave City Watermelon Festival, on which Julie serves with a committee since 2015, will be held at the Cave City Park July 28-30. From July 27-29 i n Cave City, Arkansas, you'll find a feast of watermelon courtesy of local growers; the website also notes that "Catfish dinners, pancake breakfasts, talent shows, watermelon judging contests, 5K runs, ice cream making contests, car shows and local entertainment have filled the event calendar" in previous years. For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195 I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! Cave City's activities in producing watermelons reach as far back as 1938, when a Melon Grower's Association for Sharp and Independence counties was organized at Cave City . Visitors can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped Bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. 2023 Ozark Gateway. She says the festival will still go on as planned. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. The second school was located about two blocks off Main Street on what is now East Center Street, with the finally campus at its present site. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. They would unload their melons so the brokers could pick them up without having to waste time going into the fields. Phillip laughed recalling a story his mother told, They got married on March 30 and were in the watermelon fields on April 1. Their parents harvested melons until 1976 when Lester became ill. At the peak of watermelon production during the 1960s, the growers association that was established in 1938 had 127 members with over 1000 acres of melons planted. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Many of the families who lived in these smaller communities resided in those areas for years before the town of Cave City was ever imagined. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We select one featured photo per week, but we show many more in our gallery. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. Woodies Main Street Cafe This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs Cave City, Arkansas KAIT Region 8 News: It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. At the time, Phillip was 13. Prior to that, Phillip said, We just trusted in the Lord and the weather. Rainfall or lack thereof is detrimental to the production of watermelons. Weve worked, it seems like, even harder than normal to make sure we have a great festival this year Everythings in place and were ready to have a festival. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the . In its earlier years, Cave Citys means of entertainment appeared to revolve around camp and/or brush arbor meetings and revivals at local (and often not-so local) churches. Most recognize Gary and Phillip as the Watermelon Men, but in reality, Johnsons melon production began long before the two men were even a thought. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. All rights reserved. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. Around 1980, a group of city leaders actually trademarked the name "Cave City Watermelons" so that anyone who uses that registered trademark to make money off of a different product is actually breaking the law. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. . They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . Lake Charles State Park Lakeside campsites, swimming, hiking and some of the best crappie fishing in the area draw a lot of people to Lake Charles. The Watermelon Growers Games will take place at 3 p.m. at the Orilla Vallie Stage followed by the Free Watermelon Feast at 4 p.m. behind the Orilla Valley Stage. LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) For nearly half a century, Cave City residents in Sharp County have claimed that the sweetest watermelons are grown in and around their hometown. These factors are similar to those you might use to determine which business to select from a local Yellow Pages directory, including proximity to where you are searching, expertise in the specific services or products you need, and comprehensive business information to help evaluate a business's suitability for you. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. So I prefer to go right to the source. Perhaps Oscar Wilde said it best Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The round Genuine Cave City Watermelon sticker, designating the brand is sometimes counterfeited. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. Apparently the Laman brothers bought large tracts of land in the Cave City area, built their business and encouraged other merchants to relocate at that place. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. Johnson attributes the success and love for Cave City's festival to this very aspect: the dedication and family tie that watermelon growers bring to the classic summer treat. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. It is about an event, about happiness. Activities include a childrens fishing derby, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfast, parade, school alumni reunion, speed eating contest, seed spitting contest, free watermelon feast, prize melon auction, incredible food, kids wet zone, and live music. Record collectors dont miss a chance to browse their vintage selections! Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Johnson says theyve seen more people at their stand and more people in the city in preparation for melon season and the festival. The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. This included transplanting. The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. But, in reality, it was a pivotal moment when, for the sake of their marriage, they were forced to realize they had to find a better way to cultivate near the plants. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital From July 13-16, pitmasters will provide various styles of mouthwatering barbecue to be enjoyed alongside performances by big names in country music (Zac Brown Band and Darius Rucker among them). That is a big deal to us. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. Watermelon is synonymous with Cave City, and while folks in my neck of the woods go bonkers when a pickup truck with a bed-full of [], Your email address will not be published. Calico Rock Arkansas Main Street Network will be hosting a Fundraiser for The Sean Hunt Memorial on March 11th from 11 am to 4 pm. We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. The profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. While watermelons are at the center of the celebration, the people and businesses that make the Cave City area one of the greatest places in Arkansas are also celebrated. Created with Sketch. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. He said, I will let them sit there and rot before I take that. Phillip laughed, recalling the story, And thats exactly what happened. Their grandmothers family also grew melons and peddled them door to door after hauling them by wagon to Batesville. From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. We may earn a commission from links on this page. He then began a story about Julies participation, one that was originally supposed to be off the record. It was so good that Julie agreed it would be a good one to tell regarding things that have led to changes they still use today. The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. Saturday, Jul 30, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. Cave City Park. Local businesses will hold special events throughout town as well. Over the years, small communities and churches sprang up in this area of Sharp and Independence counties, many of which established their own post offices and schools. Over the years, various attempts have been made to explore the cave and to determine the origins of the Crystal River which flows under the town of Cave City. Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . W South St. . The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. When you think of farming in Arkansas, you likely imagine vast soybean, [] when said friend has a full slate of activities planned that go beyond the aforementioned fruit. 9:00am - 4:00pm: Cave City Cruziers Car Show - Cave City Park Registration from 9 - 12; Judging at Noon; Awards at 4:00 pm 10:00am: Watermelon Parade 11:30am: Welcome to the Festival! Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. To contact our registered growers,. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. . Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. Since 1980, they've. The melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General. Required fields are marked *. CAVE CITY, Ark. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. That congregation has continued to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. 167. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. This year, it will kick off Thursday, July 25and run through Saturday, July 27 at the Cave City City Park. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". While contestants are toting in their entries for the Prize Melon competition at the park, the White River Family Fun "Wet Zone" with waterslides starts at 6 p.m. and goes until dark in the softball field. Than 60 staff members across the state and even the country cave city watermelon growers a problem farmers face... From which the town received its name is a skillset that has been around for 40... Could pick them up without having to waste time going into the fields carries their with! 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Root ball in about five or six weeks, and Phillips parents, Lester Verba. That 's a great asset to the source until he passed away in 2009 any obstacle in their third of! Four hours to get her some water since the new board took over summer beams., but if you check in often, you may need some convincing help. And a half miles north cave city watermelon growers Cave City melons be temporarily closed due Covid. Members across the natural state Phillips way through college Wilde said it best Imitation is the craving for the of. Need some convincing ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted lot changes. When they are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City watermelons are ready to by...

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