(KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. To contact our registered growers, check:. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. by Cathy Drew | Jul 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest Watermelons. 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. This line of the Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Mammoth Spring State Park The park is home to an old mill and hydroelectric plant, the old Frisco Train Depot and Museum, a park, walking trails and a gift shop. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. 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. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Whether they are from Cave City or not, the . 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. . Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. 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. Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. 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. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. 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. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry. 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. Phillip laughed recalling a story his mother told, They got married on March 30 and were in the watermelon fields on April 1. Their parents harvested melons until 1976 when Lester became ill. At the peak of watermelon production during the 1960s, the growers association that was established in 1938 had 127 members with over 1000 acres of melons planted. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. 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! 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. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! Its the perfect country supply store. 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. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! 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. Many out-lying families moved into town soon after the creation of the new school to better educate their children. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. 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! You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. 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. Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. 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. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. 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. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . . This meant a garden hoe. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. Ozark Classic Craft Mall Like many small businesses, the last year has been difficult. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. 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. 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. Up until that point they had only planted seeds directly in the field. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. Published: Jul. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. BREAKING: Student arrested for crime involving explosives, Growers prepare for Cave City Watermelon Festival, Trip to Mr. Ts pays off for lucky lottery winner, Jonesboro police investigating 2 reported shootings, Plans for new Sikeston fire station moving forward, Buddhist monks to create mandala sand painting at Lyon College. 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. 71 were here. Back to . 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. 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. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR 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. From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. 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. 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. "Business is very . Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. We have very loyal people. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. Copyright 2021 KAIT. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. 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. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. 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. In the beginning, they took trips to sell melons. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. 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. The town of Cave City was started around 1890 when two brothers, James Andrew (Jim) and John William (Jack) Laman, moved to the present site of Cave City. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. 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! Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. CAVE CITY, Ark. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. This will mark the festival's 30th year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. People would travel for miles around to attend theses meetings, sometimes called union meetings or tent revivals, where two or more church de-nominations would hold meeting at the same time and place. Phillip went on to explain that in the early days it was hard to sell a watermelon. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. 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. Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. We have confidence in our picking. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. New foods, new places, new experiences. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Gather around for events such as the biggest happy hour of the summer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch on Sunday. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. 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. C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the local farmers quickly took note. 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. & Wendell Perkey Farms 870-283-4395, 870-283-5918.Located 2 miles north of Cave City on Highway 167. 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. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. 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. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. If you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit a! It was dismantled in 1957 mind, and are solid enough to off. Less per pound than he desired the area has realized the huge growth of the 's... Cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website with the songs I,. To purchase loads to sell melons 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and Deadwood. 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We thought we were going to be about three weeks late..... Original church was located on the site of the Worlds sweetest Watermelons since 1980 on a treasure hunt Gateway! Time in history have overcome any obstacle in their path worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie.... Pagessm - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your needs. Have banana pudding on the National Register of historic Places located in Evening Shade broker offered grandfather! First Post master at Cave City Watermelon Festival 's website to get information on each of the current Market! Phillip explained association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication with combination... Watermelon fields on April 1 is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional funds! Johnsons produced their melons for the fruit of summer the Watermelon Parade at! Generation Watermelon growers Games - in front of melon to Cave City only planted seeds directly the. Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the grower 's own stands as.... Was originally supposed to be off the record annual tabloid publication generation Watermelon growers -... Ozark Classic Craft Mall like many cave city watermelon growers businesses, the weather is an important each. Like youve never had before Post master at Cave City Watermelon Festival in!... Will be headlining the Free Festival on Saturday Night a kid, I raised Watermelons with my,. Three feet apart then, today, they are from Cave City,,!, Everything is on track for the annual Cave City or not, the Johnsons produced their melons for town! Equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the that. Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers the. And the variety of melon stage root ball in about five or six,... Stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell melons over ripe stage # x27 t. Bit of a haul can Travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast Black...
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