Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. Record collectors dont miss a chance to browse their vintage selections! Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. 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. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! 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! The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. 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. At the time, Phillip was 13. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. By 1955, the Melon Growers Association met and elected a Board of Directors, consisting of Hassel Ford (President), Silas James, Coy Crow, Verl Ball, and Ernest Landers (who, by the way, was Charles Landers father). file size: 5 MB. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. Julie loves adventure. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. 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. To contact our registered growers, check:. The food is great and the company is even better. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. . Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. All rights reserved. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. . Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. The festival is the largest in the 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. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. 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. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. All rights reserved. Saturday kicks off with the Melon Dash 5K at 7 a.m. at the city park and a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at First Baptist Church. 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 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. 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. Ruthel Laman Heasley, a granddaughter of Jim Laman, stated that her grandfather and his brother were determined to create a new town when they moved their families there in 1889. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". 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. The continual hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands. 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. Pioneer Lane Greenhouse Fill up your garden with beautiful plants and trees from the Pioneer Lane Greenhouse. 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 at Cave City served as a source of pride for the community for many years, and the Cave Courts housed many tourists who traveled through that area of Northeast Arkansas. locate Ozark Classic Craft Mall Like many small businesses, the last year has been difficult. 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. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. 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. Its part of The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the years best events. 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. 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. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! Brian, Kimberly & Bricen Carter, 870-283-2147.Carter's stand is located on Highway 167, next to Buttercup's Restaurant. Source:http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs, Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs, Students map out early Arkansas explorer's path, Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. 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, Ark. 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. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. 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. This line of the Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City. They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. 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. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. 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 Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. To contact our registered growers,. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. 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. 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. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. . Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. 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 rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. Since 1980, they've. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). CAVE CITY, Ark. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. 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. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 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. 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. 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. In the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. 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). Where's this story? 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. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. 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. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. "Watermelons should be about fun. 2023 Ozark Gateway. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. Copyright 2021 KAIT. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. The Street family has maintained a controlling interest in the bank since the time of Roe Streets election in 1919. 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. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. 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. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Gary said, During this time, they were going more for commercial production for selling them to large cities like Chicago. At that time growers rented stalls in a facility near the present day community center. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. 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. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. 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. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . A melon growers' association was formed at Cave City in 1938. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. 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