. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! 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. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. But, in reality, it was a pivotal moment when, for the sake of their marriage, they were forced to realize they had to find a better way to cultivate near the plants. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. 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. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. Tohi Nature Trail This easy trail is a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past the WRMC Medical Complex. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. It is about an event, about happiness. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. 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. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next spring. Julie loves adventure. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. 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. 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. 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. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. file size: 5 MB. The proverbial watermelon vine was planted when the mens grandfather, Washington Worsh Johnson, first grew melons and cotton on 135 acres at Cave City. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! 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. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. 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. 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. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. 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. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. 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. This included transplanting. 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. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. 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 . 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. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! 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. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. "Watermelons should be about fun. Its a big deal.. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. 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. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. . 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Back to . C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the local farmers quickly took note. In the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. 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. These days, the reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermelon Festival! For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Many out-lying families moved into town soon after the creation of the new school to better educate their children. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . Black Rock Museum Although the museum has no set hours, contact the city to schedule a visit and learn about the history of this small town that sits in the gateway to the Ozarks. The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. 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 . After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload. Johnson Brothers Watermelons. Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. 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. This often makes others think all Cave City melons are priced as high as that of the resellers who are selling them out of town. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. They orderedplants from a greenhouse. 167. 167 North of Cave City. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 2 talking about this. 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! how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. All rights reserved. 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 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. 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! Since 1980, they've. 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. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the . A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. 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. 71 were here. 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. The boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. 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. 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. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. Sadly, this year will be the first time the city will have to cancel the event due to health and safety concerns pertaining to COVID-19. The memorial is being built near the city hall, under the big welcome sign. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Many of the early pioneer family names echo through the area today: Jackson, Horn, Barnett, Brewer, Laman, Gray, Meacham, Wooldridge, Shanks, Rawlings, Green, Witten, Landers, Rodgers, Ball, Crow, Wilson, Fore, Lewis, Aldridge, Montgomery, Johnson, Gilbert, Vance, Vaughn, Stewart, Story, Stout, Matlock, Baxter, Bain, Jones, Chaudoin, Martin, Felts, Burge, Albright and Ford. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. Johnson attributes the success and love for Cave City's festival to this very aspect: the dedication and family tie that watermelon growers bring to the classic summer treat. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. 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. 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! You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. All rights reserved. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. Copyright 2018KAIT. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. That leaves us with a whole day to explore, and the roads out of Cave City lead to interesting locations. They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. As the festival inches closer, melons are flying off of stands just as quickly as growers are putting them there. 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. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. 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. Through the years, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield. Cave City's activities in producing watermelons reach as far back as 1938, when a Melon Grower's Association for Sharp and Independence counties was organized at Cave City . We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. 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. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . 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 . Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. 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