The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. 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. 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. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. 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. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. 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. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Tohi Nature Trail This easy trail is a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past the WRMC Medical Complex. "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. 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. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. 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. The Watermelon Growers Games will take place at 3 p.m. at the Orilla Vallie Stage followed by the Free Watermelon Feast at 4 p.m. behind the Orilla Valley Stage. "We thought that we were going to be really late. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. Your email address will not be published. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. Flickr/kitchener.lord. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. 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 The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. 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! (Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater) "That was neat,". 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. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. 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. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. 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. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. 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. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. Copyright 2018KAIT. 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. 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 have very loyal people. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. It is not just a piece of fruit, its more than that, its a memory. He said that is why they try so hard to ensure their melons come off at the perfect time. . 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. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. 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. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. We were all so excited. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. 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. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. 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. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR 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. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. file size: 5 MB. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. 71 were here. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Travelers will also find antique stores and flea markets. 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 . All rights reserved. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. 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. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR 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 . After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. 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. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. From July 27-29 i n Cave City, Arkansas, you'll find a feast of watermelon courtesy of local growers; the website also notes that "Catfish dinners, pancake breakfasts, talent shows, watermelon judging contests, 5K runs, ice cream making contests, car shows and local entertainment have filled the event calendar" in previous years. Johnson Brothers Watermelons. 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. She says the festival will still go on as planned. They bring with them lots of experience. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. 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. 1930's. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. Watermelon Farms in Cave City, AR About Search Results 1. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. 167 and 115. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 2023 Ozark Gateway. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). 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.Activities include a children's fishing derby, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfast, parade, school alumni reunion, speed eating contest, seed . Saturday, Jul 30, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. Cave City Park. Pioneer Lane Greenhouse Fill up your garden with beautiful plants and trees from the Pioneer Lane Greenhouse. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. Its a big deal.. 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. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share To contact our registered growers, check:. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. For the town that boasts. LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) For nearly half a century, Cave City residents in Sharp County have claimed that the sweetest watermelons are grown in and around their hometown. 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. Watermelons and other various produce such as. 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. 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. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . "Pull up a chair, sit and visit for a while, and have a good time," he suggested. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. The best way to see the river is through one of the local outfitters such as 3 Rivers Outfitters or Spring River Camp and Canoe. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. Besides producing quality melons, Julie said the trademark sticker for registered users that brands the melons has helped bring customers to their stand. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. 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. 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. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. 2023 Ozark Gateway. People dont have to have watermelons to live. The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. Far Out & Funky This fun antique store wears its name well! 4,446 were here. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. At. Created with Sketch. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. 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. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. J.W. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. So I prefer to go right to the source. 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. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. That is a big deal to us. 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. 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. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. They are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday Saturday and are located just outside Cave City on AR-230. 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. Today it still stands as the oldest motor court of its kind in the state, and likely the entire region. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. The fun filled event is packed full of live music, great food, old friends, and of course, WATERMELON! The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. Gather around for events such as the biggest happy hour of the summer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch on Sunday. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. 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! Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. 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. Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. -- - 45 acres own father have to go right to the production of watermelons will... 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