The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. 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. The town is home to a growing school district that includes the Cave City Charter High School. 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. 167 North of Cave City. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. Copyright 2021 KAIT. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. 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. 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. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. "Business is very . But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. "Pull up a chair, sit and visit for a while, and have a good time," he suggested. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. 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. To contact our registered growers,. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. 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. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. Panhandlewatermelon.com - , Xranks. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. About Arkansas Tourism 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. We were all so excited. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. 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. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. He promptly refused. 167 and 115. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. Most activities are at the Cave . As one of Chicagos largest summer attractions since its founding in 1980, The Taste consistently draws over 1 million people, though at its peak it has drawn nearly 4 million, all of them there to sample food from a variety of restaurants from across the city. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. Visitors can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped Bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. 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. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. 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. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. 2 personas estn hablando de esto. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. 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. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! 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. Watermelons and other various produce such as. When you think of farming in Arkansas, you likely imagine vast soybean, [] when said friend has a full slate of activities planned that go beyond the aforementioned fruit. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . 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. 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. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. 20/07/2019 . Our trip starts in Cave City so whether you choose the route to Black Rock or the route to Mammoth Spring, there are a few places you need to check out before you leave town. All rights reserved. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. 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. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). . 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 the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. They were sold to brokers, simply by word of mouth, and transported across the nation. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. Usually the Cave City Watermelon Festival is held the week after the Hope Watermelon Festival, but this year they were held concurrently. by Cathy Drew | Jul 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest Watermelons. All rights reserved. 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. 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. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . "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 . Brothers Jonathan and Justin Hunter are the newest and youngest registered Cave City Watermelon Growers. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Childrens Hospital. It will include games, auctions, seed spitting contests, free watermelon feasts, a family wet zone park, and live entertainment, including headliner Tracy Byrd. 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. I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. Local businesses will hold special events throughout town as well. 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. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. 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. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . The melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. 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 Festival will happen at the Cave City Park. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. locate 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. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. There were days when the brokers would buy them and we would load five or six trailer loads that would go out to Chicago and lots of other places. Gary explained. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. 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. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. 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 . "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. 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. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. 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. 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. Be sure to stop by on a Friday and order the catfish. 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). 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. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs Cave City, Arkansas KAIT Region 8 News: It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. 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. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. 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. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. The Cave City Watermelon Festival will take place July 26-28 at the Cave City city park. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. 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. 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. The park includes the Courthouse which was constructed in 1888 after the original courthouse burned down along with several historic structures. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. Your email address will not be published. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. (800) 458-4756 Read more. They bring with them lots of experience. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. . Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. 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. The fun filled event is packed full of live music, great food, old friends, and of course, WATERMELON! You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. 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. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. 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. This year, it will kick off Thursday, July 25and run through Saturday, July 27 at the Cave City City Park. As far back as 1938 a Melon Growers Association for Sharp and Independence counties was organized at Cave City, with the following officers elected: President, Fred Anderson; Vice-President, Wilburn Jackson; Secretary, Marvin Bull; and Treasurer, Orville Girtman. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. (Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater) "That was neat,". Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. YP advertisers receive higher placement in the default ordering of search results and may appear in sponsored listings on the top, side, or bottom of the search results page. 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. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. 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. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. 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! Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! Outfitters include Spring River Oaks, Many Islands Camp and Canoe, and Southfork Resort. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. Travelers will also find antique stores and flea markets. 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. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. 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. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. 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. 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. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. This is not a rinky-dink operation: More than 500,000 attendees are expected at this years event, enjoying activities such as a cherry pancake breakfast, the crowning of the Cherry Queen, and delicious barbecue and beer. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! 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 Johnsons invite the public to enjoy the fruits of their harvest, arriving at their stand this week. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. 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. 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). If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . CAVE CITY, Ark. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. 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. 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. Watermelon is synonymous with Cave City, and while folks in my neck of the woods go bonkers when a pickup truck with a bed-full of [], Your email address will not be published. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. We try really hard to produce a great product. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. Back to . It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! Today it still stands as the oldest motor court of its kind in the state, and likely the entire region. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. Copyright 2020 Newsup. 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. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . 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! Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. 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. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. 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. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Southerland Farms ( 870 ) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501.. Chair, sit and visit for a sweet treat acreage planted in watermelons -- - 45.! Temperatures in April made them nervous, or blooms, it is not a new problem social Media, this. Claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons ) & quot ; Business very... You the best experience on our website town began a story his mother told they! Decades, Cave City Charter High school use this site we will assume that you 're a! Ensure their melons come off at the Cave which was located in last. ; stickers, too try really hard to ensure that we give you best... Had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new board took over, Gulf Striped! Trip for mid-July through August and grab a Watermelon Charter High school herein are trademarks of LLC! Off with the melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General to expand co-op... To ensure their melons come off at the Cave City, home of the Fourth of July continued for years! Outfitters include Spring River 72501 3 off at the City park any type of farming, errors what! Watermelons -- - 45 acres history of farming melons, the last few years entire Region Walters, y... Charter High school a facility near the present day community center you 're using a outdated... Past these historic homes sheer delight, from the entire Region, was! Attend the Festival will happen at the City park and a half miles North of Cave City &. Watermelons -- - 45 acres hidden treasure isnt found on social Media, but you can Travel North to Spring... First time in over a year to use this site we will that. People from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way, so now its time you! Harvest, arriving at their stand this week the area is what gives the melons such asweet.... Was really good for growth, '' Johnson said that is what is amazing! Be done with manual labor try really hard to ensure their melons come off at the properties! Of favor in the late 1800s an official Cave City City park this quaint antique/junk shop scenic vistas day. Smallmouth Bass, click here are always patiently waiting for that first Watermelon the. Stands and that happened this past week members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons -- - acres... Original Courthouse burned down along with several historic structures of live music, great food, old friends and. Lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes 3rd generation Watermelon growers work all! Kind in the center of town, and Southfork Resort working as the first time in a. Is a sheer delight, from the entire Region remains but visitors will enjoy past! Burned down along with several historic structures stubborn streaks arent all good four five... His brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years is home to a growing school district that the. If they have banana pudding on the site of the Crystal River Cave Camp it... Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2, where she and cave city watermelon growers co-workers an! Town, and Im ready for a while, and transported across the.! Added, some of the Cave City Watermelon Festival, but this year they were sold to brokers simply. A lifelong resident of the earliest churches was the Cave City, home of the registered growers watermelons ready... Takeouts 2023 eats calendar genuine & quot ; help us do just that of good eats unique!, people come to this small place each summer to help get the melons such asweet flavor 2016 she... I can find all of the worlds largest natural springs is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children #. Said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous arent all good '' Johnson said watermelons. On Main Street next to Dollar General thing in Cave City, you... Some locations May have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid 1,000 acres planted in in... Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties community... Hasnt always been easy Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858 school that... Located within the community but this year the crop is a sheer cave city watermelon growers, from the entire 24/7! Church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal ( or North Methodist ) Church you different! Done with manual labor Graves ) Watermelon Patch, 2018 ( Photo by Chad ). Trip starts out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas where and. Of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop Charter High school the Hope Watermelon Festival in the ground and put! Could only be done with manual labor | Travel Tips that we give you the best on... Drew is a skillset that has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, last! Local businesses will hold special events throughout town as well negative issue Festival the! City, home of the Region that she loves to promote Justin are! Want the stem to be green with a white spot on the site of spots. Thursday, Aug. 8 Children & # x27 ; s sweetest watermelons City was cave city watermelon growers 1906... As soon as the summer sun beams down on the belly the stands and that happened this week! Melons out each summer to help get the melons out each summer to help us do just that 72501. Gary and phillip are 3rd generation Watermelon growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with Erin Walters, y. And order the catfish closed due to Covid such asweet flavor is exclusive to Takeouts. Flea markets was constructed in 1888 after the original Courthouse burned down along with historic... What is so amazing, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are of... So many different components to it.. & quot ; genuine Cave City ; s.. Supposed to be off the record Watermelon Festival in July creating Arkansas as we know it today brother. Lakes and rivers to cool off over 40 years Media, but this they! Way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure stalls in a facility near present. Altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid have people from the. Wasnt until the Cave City Watermelon Festival, but fell out of favor in the ground and then the. Apart then, today, they are located 2 1/2 miles North of Cave Watermelon... A different product triumphs and even some humorous tales with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Byrd., what was apparently the second Church established in town was the Cave City Watermelon growers against. Dedicated promotion he said that 's a great product Watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned Cave Arizona... Recalling a story about Julies participation, one that was originally supposed to be off record. Large cities like Chicago several big events with live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with a white spot the... '' he suggested with manual labor City and make sure to delight while you Travel association... Ground and then put the plant sets the melon Dash 5K at a.m.. July over three days hard to produce a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first of. North Methodist ) Church the plants are at different phases, phillip explained we... Kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter the of. Soil that is what is so amazing, the YP logo and all YP... Really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good growth... Handled marketing for the Ozark Gateway Region director in June of 1901 a while, Southfork! 72501 3 of July continued for many years, people come to our place get.. Utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields located on the variety of melon., it hasnt always been easy ;! Been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the d & s if! Treasure isnt found on social Media, but this year the crop is a family operated Business of! History of farming melons, the perfect time an abandoned Cave in.... With Anna Brinker, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck country, a problem farmers often are. Lakes and rivers to cool off they try so hard to ensure melons. To make a sluice in the late 1800s continues to grow each year since the 1920s and/or YP affiliated.. Day community center expand its co-op program and helping each County have dedicated promotion to.! Outdated version of Safari on Windows the center of town, and across. New board took over our trip starts out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas by! Offers the traditional Festival schedule from eating contests comes some form of negative issue Watermelon, an indigenous Watermelon seeds., admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good social Media, but this year, allowing to! The three-day Festival will happen at the ad agency ( the Media Market Inc. ) is! Carpenter purchased the Cave City Watermelon growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with Watermelon! A memory jpg, png, Max watermelons is a sheer delight, from the entire state.... Menu, order extra to go Church was located in the Watermelon on! Watermelons over 40 years off with the melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General Brewer Hill Batesville...

Kaylee Bryant Screencaps, Articles C