The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. KAIT Region 8 News: There will soon be a new monument in Cave City to honor the town's veterans."We've actually been talking about it for several years off and on," Mayor Jonas Anderson said. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. This three-day event will include entertainment, a 5K run, pancake breakfast, parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, courtesy of the registered watermelon growers. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. 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. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. Heritage Bake Shoppe If you are looking for flavorful baked goods and deli sandwiches piled high with meat, cheese and all the toppings, swing by the Heritage Bake Shoppe. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. Their first attempt at utilizing the transplanting technique over seed planting was one of the many trial and error experiences from which the Johnsons have learned. The profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college. 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. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. 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. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. The SRC recently spent an evening with Gary and Phillip Johnson and their wives, Becky and Julie, who have been with them every step of the way. He first spent a short time working on a construction crew that built the current highway that runs through the city the family has called home since before the early 1920s. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. 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. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. Historical Marker An historical marker documenting the Civil War in Sharp County and the Sharp Family in the Civil War can be seen at the corner of West Main and Court Streets. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. 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. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. Evening Shade is small but gained some popularity in the 90s when it was the setting for the television show of the same name starring Burt Reynolds. The festival struck Gold, outshining all the other entries in the Best Video Promotion (Budget under $100,000) division. John S. Gibson began hosting a competition for the largest melons in 1916. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. W South St. . From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . This year, it will kick off Thursday, July 25and run through Saturday, July 27 at the Cave City City Park. The boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. Back to . Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. 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). 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. 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. 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. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. "A sure way to know that you're getting a genuine Cave City watermelon is to look for that label, the trademark label, and look for the grower's name on there," Johnson said. Organizers and growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years festival. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. It is something you are going to enjoy. 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. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. The event has shrunk from 10 days down to just three this year (July 7-9), but thats plenty of time to eat your fill of local food. We have very loyal people. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Kevin Moore Farms, 870-283-2043.Moore's stand is located on the north end of Cave City. 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. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 2023 Ozark Gateway. We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. For the town that boasts. We try really hard to produce a great product. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. 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 . The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. 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. On her blog, Seek Adventures, Julie shares about the outdoor and travel adventures of her family as they camp and standup paddleboard across the South. CAVE CITY, Ark. 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 . The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. 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. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. 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. Since 1980, they've. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. Peck hosts SiriusXMs Y2Kountry and is an accomplished recording artist and performer. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. 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. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. They carry everything you need for a successful fishing trip on the Spring River. 2021 Cave City Watermelon Festival Set for July 29-31th April 29, 2021by KFFB 106.1 FM Cave City Watermelon Festival is gearing up for another great Festival. 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 . Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. 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. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. 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! 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. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage It will include games, auctions, seed spitting contests, free watermelon feasts, a family wet zone park, and live entertainment, including headliner Tracy Byrd. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. Pioneer Lane Greenhouse Fill up your garden with beautiful plants and trees from the Pioneer Lane Greenhouse. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. 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. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. Flickr/kitchener.lord. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. 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. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. 167. Its the perfect country supply store. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. It is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June. The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. 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. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Main Street looking South. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. 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. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. We appreciate the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the festival, Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. New foods, new places, new experiences. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. 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. It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. 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. 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. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". So many interesting treasures are held within these walls. I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. In the beginning, they took trips to sell melons. 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. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. 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. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. 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. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. & Wendell Perkey Farms 870-283-4395, 870-283-5918.Located 2 miles north of Cave City on Highway 167. 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. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. "Usually we start setting the first plants somewhere along about the middle of April and that's when we were getting some real cold weather, so we were delayed a little bit in getting the first plants set out," Johnson said. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Thousands are expected to attend the three-day event. In the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. 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. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. 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 Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing the same busyness. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. 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. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Phillip went on to explain that in the early days it was hard to sell a watermelon. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. 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. 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. On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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! They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. Most activities are at the Cave . Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. 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. The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. Each year as soon as they arrive with the first loads, their parking lot is flooded with customers before the melons can even be weighed and stickered. Years of hard work, dedication, innovation and building a brand has put them at the top of the crop in Cave City watermelon production for nearly a half century. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. 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. 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. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. It hasnt always been easy. All rights reserved. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. Sadly, their father passed away in June before seeing the first of what is now the 46th harvest of his sons melons and the establishment of Johnson Brothers Watermelons. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. The park includes the Courthouse which was constructed in 1888 after the original courthouse burned down along with several historic structures. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She says the festival will still go on as planned. Created with Sketch. Panhandlewatermelon.com - , Xranks. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. J.W. The town of Cave City was incorporated in April 1907 with a Mayor-Council form of government. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. Renees Cafe This down-home country restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. . Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. 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. As the festival inches closer, melons are flying off of stands just as quickly as growers are putting them there. Perkey Farms is a family owned and operating watermelon farm. Brothers Jonathan and Justin Hunter are the newest and youngest registered Cave City Watermelon Growers. We were all so excited. "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. 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. So I prefer to go right to the source. 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. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. Among the growers, are one family who are in their third generation of production of the luscious fruit of summer. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . 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. 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. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. From left, Tyler Parsley, Cederic Etheridge, Jonathan Fowler and Julie Johnson, members of the Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee, stand by some of the melons they will be celebrating July 27-29. And eating opportunities taking place in July 2023 going to be green a! This years festival stem with ones tongue to attend the festival struck Gold, all. To improvement to ensure that we give you the best experience on our.... 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