Its the perfect country supply store. CAVE CITY, Ark. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. 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. In August of 1958, Burnis Brown was the manager of the Cave City Watermelon Growers Association, which consisted of 127 members with 1,000 acres planted in watermelons. The Cave City Watermelon Festival gets underway Thursday. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. 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. 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. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. 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! When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. 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. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Visit www.ozarkgateway.com for more area information. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. The cave supplied the drinking water for the local school, as well as serving as a veritable town refrigerator. Many families stored their milk, butter, and other produce in the cool cave to prevent them from spoiling. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. 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. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. Visitors can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped Bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. This is unfair to the growers who, like the Johnsons, put hundreds of hours of work into their harvest, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars they have invested in the crops. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. CAVE CITY, Ark. Be sure to stop by on a Friday and order the catfish. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. All Rights Reserved. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . 4:00pm: Free Watermelon Feast - Behind Melon stage. Gather around for events such as the biggest happy hour of the summer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch on Sunday. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. A melon growers' association was formed at Cave City in 1938. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. This involves discing, cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April. 2 talking about this. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. With the help of C. P. (Prince) Matlock, efforts were made to develop the grounds and add cabins to what became known as Cave Courts. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. 20/07/2019 . It should be about enjoyment, about having a good time about being with people," said Phillip Johnson, "I'm proud to be apart of that, you know we need a lot more joy in the . The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. The International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) has named the Cave City Watermelon Festival (CCWF) a winner in the 2022 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. Required fields are marked *. You want the stem to be green with a white spot on the belly. Gary added, Some of the spots are also yellow to brown depending on the variety of melon., It hasnt always been easy. The men and women who work all year long to make the festival the largest in the area with some of the best food, entertainment and fellowship. The town of Cave City was started around 1890 when two brothers, James Andrew (Jim) and John William (Jack) Laman, moved to the present site of Cave City. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Pioneer Lane Greenhouse Fill up your garden with beautiful plants and trees from the Pioneer Lane Greenhouse. Renees Cafe This down-home country restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. 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. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. Flickr/kitchener.lord. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM 2023 Ozark Gateway. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. We have confidence in our picking. Another interesting mention of the picnic in 1902 related that The rents for swings and lemonade stands will be used toward buying a wind mill to draw the water from the cave. [An article from theRecorddated July of 1928 states that the town had been celebrating the Fourth of July each summer for 35 years, which would have put the tradition starting as far back as 1893.] From July 27-29 in Cave City, Arkansas, youll 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. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! We did everything wrong we possibly could, Gary said. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. . But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas. 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. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers have spearheaded this celebration of the town and its rich history of producing the world's best watermelons. 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. Created with Sketch. The boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. They carry everything you need for a successful fishing trip on the Spring River. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. Although the town of Cave City is some 150 miles from the Mississippi River, it has been said that the Crystal River rises and falls with the Mississippi River. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. Byrd signed to MCA Nashville Records in 1992, breaking through on the country music scene that year with his 1993 single Holdin Heaven, which reached number one on Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. They were sold to brokers, simply by word of mouth, and transported across the nation. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. KAIT Region 8 News:It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. It hasnt always been easy. While watermelons are still at the center of our celebration, we also celebrate the people and businesses that make the Cave City area one of the greatest places in Arkansas! One of the most favorite and anticipated of these camp meetings was the holiness camp meeting held every year at Calamine by ministers of the Nazarene Church. This year, it will kick off Thursday, July 25and run through Saturday, July 27 at the Cave City City Park. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. At. So much so that Cave Citys watermelons are celebrated each year at the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival Celebrating its 42ndyear, the 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. To contact our registered growers, check: http://www.cavecitywatermelonfestival.com/about_us.php Courtesy www.cavecityarkansas.info: "These days, the reason for Cave City's renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermel See more 5,505 people like this 5,757 people follow this Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. W South St. . They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. Phillip spoke of his grandfathers stubborn nature, a trait that at least, in part, led to the success and longevity of his business being carried through to his son and grandsons. To contact our registered growers, check:. Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. Most dont realize just how far back the watermelon tradition goes, even predating the 1938 establishment of a growers association and the 1980 creation of the Cave City Watermelon Festival, first as a one day event. Mammoth Spring State Park The park is home to an old mill and hydroelectric plant, the old Frisco Train Depot and Museum, a park, walking trails and a gift shop. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. We try really hard to produce a great product. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. BREAKING: Student arrested for crime involving explosives, Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs, Trip to Mr. Ts pays off for lucky lottery winner, Jonesboro police investigating 2 reported shootings. There is also a thriving art and music scene. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. Panhandlewatermelon.com - , Xranks. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. The cave at Cave City served as a source of pride for the community for many years, and the Cave Courts housed many tourists who traveled through that area of Northeast Arkansas. Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. 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. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next spring. The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. He promptly refused. Gary said, During this time, they were going more for commercial production for selling them to large cities like Chicago. At that time growers rented stalls in a facility near the present day community center. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. They were beautiful hot plants. Your email address will not be published. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. . Main Street looking South. In the beginning, they took trips to sell melons. By 1955, the Melon Growers Association met and elected a Board of Directors, consisting of Hassel Ford (President), Silas James, Coy Crow, Verl Ball, and Ernest Landers (who, by the way, was Charles Landers father). We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing the same busyness. Prior to planting, they use a machine to lay down the black plastic and drip tape that will carry water to the plants after they are transplanted. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. This and resellers marking the melons up to make so large of profit that the cost of their fruit is much higher than the Johnsons melons at their stand. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. Copyright 2021 KAIT. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. People dont have to have watermelons to live. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Now, in its 43rd year, the watermelon festival is the largest festival in the region and has been voted as one of Arkansas' best festivals. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. This is not a rinky-dink operation: More than 500,000 attendees are expected at this years event, enjoying activities such as a cherry pancake breakfast, the crowning of the Cherry Queen, and delicious barbecue and beer. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Filed Under . The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Phillip said before harvesting, they first thump, pat, roll and then finally cut them off the plant. Julie explained You want that melon to sound hollow. 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. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. 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. It then puts about a cup of water in the hole and Julie and Becky sit on the back of the machine and place the rooted plants in the ground one by one. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. 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. Many of the early pioneer family names echo through the area today: Jackson, Horn, Barnett, Brewer, Laman, Gray, Meacham, Wooldridge, Shanks, Rawlings, Green, Witten, Landers, Rodgers, Ball, Crow, Wilson, Fore, Lewis, Aldridge, Montgomery, Johnson, Gilbert, Vance, Vaughn, Stewart, Story, Stout, Matlock, Baxter, Bain, Jones, Chaudoin, Martin, Felts, Burge, Albright and Ford. When Sharp County was formed in 1868, what is now Cave City was still in Independence County, including north of present-day Cave City to almost the Maxville area. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. 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. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. It is about an event, about happiness. Now, in its 40th year, the watermelon festival is the largest festival in the region and has been voted as one of Arkansas' best festivals. 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 . Saturday kicks off with the Melon Dash 5K at 7 a.m. at the city park and a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at First Baptist Church. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. Big Creek Man Cave Whether you are looking for sporting goods, ammo, hunting for a rare book, or just seeking a cool find Big Creek Man Cave is the place to shop. On an extremely hot day, one Julie described as the seventh circle of hell, the couple were working in the field after cultivating the rows spaced ten feet apart with a tractor. 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. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. About Arkansas Tourism However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . In August of 1958, Burnis Brown was the manager of the Cave City Watermelon Growers' Association, which consisted of 127 members with 1,000 acres planted in watermelons. Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. 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. The Johnsons reputation is based on the sweetness and perfection of their melons and they dont want to put the responsibility of cutting them off the vine on anyone else. You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. 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. Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy an iconic piece carrot... 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