Before implementing irrigation, Phillip explained, We spent lots of quality time with that garden hoe. He admitted he was very picky about how it was done. Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . The Cave City Watermelon Festival gets underway Thursday. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. 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. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. It is something you are going to enjoy. 2 personas estn hablando de esto. 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. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. It is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June. We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. That is a big deal to us. 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. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. Crystal Bridges 2023 Exhibitions Unveiled, Visiting Poinsett, Cross and Mississippi Counties, Things To Do In Independence and Stone Counties, An Afternoon in Cave City - Only In Arkansas, An Afternoon in Cave City Only In Arkansas Only in Arkansas Ferry St. Pittsburgh is out here proving that it might be the city with the best sense of humor, mounting the Picklesburgh festival annually in partnership with Pennsylvania-based Heinz. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. 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. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. Held in the Cherry Capital of the WorldTraverse City, Michigan, that isthe National Cherry Festival runs for the entire week of July 1-8, a testament to just how celebrated this stone fruit is among locals and tourists alike (We are thrilled to put cherries on the top of everyones mind, reads the official website). While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. 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. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. Most activities are at the Cave . The melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General. Travelers will also find antique stores and flea markets. 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.] This included transplanting. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. That leaves us with a whole day to explore, and the roads out of Cave City lead to interesting locations. . 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. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. 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. Many out-lying families moved into town soon after the creation of the new school to better educate their children. 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. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . "Pull up a chair, sit and visit for a while, and have a good time," he suggested. 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. 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. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). 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. The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. Johnson Brothers Watermelons. 20/07/2019 . My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. 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. But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. Gather around for events such as the biggest happy hour of the summer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch on Sunday. 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. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". GREEN RIVER, UTAH - The tiny town of Green River (population 929) may not be big, but it is home to the "World's Largest Watermelon." The World's Sweetest Watermelons. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. The Hunter Brothers are located in Cave City. 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. "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. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. 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 All Rights Reserved. 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. The Cave City Watermelon Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. 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. "Business is very . Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). 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. To contact our registered growers, check:. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. 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. "Then you can always contact that grower with the information that's on there and give a call and say 'hey, we picked this up at this place is this legitimate?'". The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. To contact our registered growers,. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. 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. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 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. 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. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. file size: 5 MB. He promptly refused. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. 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. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. Cin-sations Flea Market This hidden treasure isnt found on social media, but you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop! 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. 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. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. 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. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! Ozark Classic Craft Mall Like many small businesses, the last year has been difficult. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. . The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. 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. 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. 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. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. We were all so excited. Cave City bills itself as having the worlds sweetest watermelons. Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed full of fun and entertainment for the entire family. To contact our registered growers,. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. 4:00pm: Free Watermelon Feast - Behind Melon stage. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. This year, it will kick off Thursday, July 25and run through Saturday, July 27 at the Cave City City Park. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. Its part of The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the years best events. 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. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! 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 Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. 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 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. The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. . Filed Under . CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. "Whenever people buy the watermelon, they need to make sure it has the registered trademark sticker, because if it doesn't, it's not the real . Up until that point they had only planted seeds directly in the field. 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. "We thought that we were going to be really late. Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). 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. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the local farmers quickly took note. The first ones out of the field bring families out of the backroads and cities alike to be among the first to experience the fruits of the farmers labors around the first to middle of July. CAVE CITY, Ark. 2023 Ozark Gateway. 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. They carry everything you need for a successful fishing trip on the Spring River. Visit www.ozarkgateway.com for more area information. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. Its the perfect country supply store. They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. 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. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! Your email address will not be published. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. Preferred listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. 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 . Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! 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. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. 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. They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. Julie loves adventure. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. 1930's. In 1976, the vine expanded once again to encompass Gary and Phillip as their father guided them in the growing and production process during his illness. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. Thankfully for the organizers of the wildly popular Windy City Smokeout, fans of barbecue and fans of country music are often one in the same. 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. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. This will mark the festival's 30th year. For the town that boasts. 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. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. The annual watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town each year, is scheduled for July 26-28. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. Watermelons and other various produce such as. Local businesses will hold special events throughout town as well. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. General Store ( Photo by Chad Graves ) cold water in it, packed them in list of great. Laman Bros. 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