Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. Welcome home! And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. They bring with them lots of experience. 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. Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). There are several outfitters in the area that will provide gear and shuttle service so you can enjoy a fun day in the cool waters of the Spring River. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. One of the earliest references to a Fourth of July picnic at Cave City was in the Sharp County Recordnewspaper in June of 1899, planning a picnic for that year. 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. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. It will include games, auctions, seed spitting contests, free watermelon feasts, a family wet zone park, and live entertainment, including headliner Tracy Byrd. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. Peck hosts SiriusXMs Y2Kountry and is an accomplished recording artist and performer. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. Back to . Tohi Nature Trail This easy trail is a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past the WRMC Medical Complex. 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. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. 1930's. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. 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. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 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 . http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs. 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. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. 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. 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. She says the festival will still go on as planned. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. For a hillbilly like us to see all those hundreds of acres of beautiful watermelons all exactly the same size because they had all been transplanted on plastic was just amazing to us. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. 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. 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. All rights reserved. As the festival inches closer, melons are flying off of stands just as quickly as growers are putting them there. 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. Whether they are from Cave City or not, the . One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. The towns population began to be drawn to the larger area of Walnut Ridge and further declined when the highway was built 2 miles outside of town. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . Watermelons can be bought from these certified growers: Patterson Bros Watermelons Brian Carter's Cave City Watermelons Tim Carter Melon Farms Johnson Brothers Watermelons Miller. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301, For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ craftmelonvendor@yahoo.com, For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195For Entertainment Inquiries call Tyler @ 870-283-4877, To become a sponsor call Julie @ 870-307-9631, Copyright 2022, Cave City Watermelon Festival. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. They were beautiful hot plants. The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. Mr. Carpenter retrieved many of the Indian relics from the cave and built a museum of sorts which housed these relics on the walkway into the entrance of the cave. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. . It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. 4,446 were here. On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. 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. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. 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. That is a big deal to us. 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. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. 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.] They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Between the time Arkansas became a state in 1836 and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, a migration of families moved into the area that was later to become Cave City. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. 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. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. "Business is very . My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. 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. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 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 Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. 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). 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. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing the same busyness. All Rights Reserved. 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. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. 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. Soon to be release is her third studio album, How Freedom Feels. No stranger to country fans, shes enjoyed chart success with the songs I Dont, Findin A Good Man and Isnt That Everything. Peck has cultivated a loyal fan base on the road, performing hundreds of shows both as a headliner and in support of country musics biggest names. 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. WEATHERFORD, TEXAS - The north Texas city was once one of the state's biggest watermelon growers (not so much anymore) and once featured an oversized watermelon sculpture outside its courthouse. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! Visitors can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped Bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. They both built homes (on the site of the current location of the Bank of Cave City and on the old bank property just to the north) and moved in by 1890. Renees Cafe This down-home country restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. 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. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. The festival is the largest in the region. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. Its a big deal.. 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. 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. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. Watermelons and other various produce such as. The annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is like a homecoming for some and a chance make new friends and feast on city's renowned melons for others. There were days when the brokers would buy them and we would load five or six trailer loads that would go out to Chicago and lots of other places. Gary explained. Copyright 2020 Newsup. Published: Jul. 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. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. 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. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. 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. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. Local businesses will hold special events throughout town as well. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. To contact our registered growers, check:. Flickr/kitchener.lord. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. Town and family lore have it that the post office was secretly spirited out of Loyal and rolled on logs to Cave City after the presidential election of 1892 placed more friendly Democrats in charge of the postal department! Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. 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. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. 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. Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). For the town that boasts. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Voters again reject proposed Highland School millage increase, Cave City athlete sets school and state indoor track record, Nashville Songwriter with local roots inks new songwriting contract, Arkansas States new Digital Technology and Design Program offers new emphasis areas, West Plains resident reflects on life-saving heart care received at Ozarks Healthcare. Your email address will not be published. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the . There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . 5 . Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. About Arkansas Tourism 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. 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. Since 1980, they've. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. Johnson Brothers Watermelons | Cave City AR The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. 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. For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195 Roadside stands are found throughout the city. In 2015 they "retired", and a new committee of volunteers have since taken the festival to even greater success, with expanded entertainment, activities for the entire family, and record-setting crowds; from the beginning to now it's always been about celebrating the town and its rich history of producing the worlds best watermelons. Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. The food is great and the company is even better. 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. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! The true melon afficianados will go for the Cave City melons every time and leave the Hope melons to the tourists. 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. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. 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!

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