Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Perhaps Oscar Wilde said it best Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The round Genuine Cave City Watermelon sticker, designating the brand is sometimes counterfeited. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. Its the perfect country supply store. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. "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 . The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. About Arkansas Tourism 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. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. 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. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. 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. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. 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. Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). 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. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Another interesting mention of the picnic in 1902 related that The rents for swings and lemonade stands will be used toward buying a wind mill to draw the water from the cave. [An article from theRecorddated July of 1928 states that the town had been celebrating the Fourth of July each summer for 35 years, which would have put the tradition starting as far back as 1893.] 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. Perkey Farms is a family owned and operating watermelon farm. The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. 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. 2 personas estn hablando de esto. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. 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. 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 . 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. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They carry everything you need for a successful fishing trip on the Spring River. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. 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. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. "Watermelons should be about fun. They are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday Saturday and are located just outside Cave City on AR-230. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. To contact our registered growers, check:. 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 . The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. All rights reserved. Filed Under . Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. 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. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing the same busyness. Usually the Cave City Watermelon Festival is held the week after the Hope Watermelon Festival, but this year they were held concurrently. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. 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. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. So many interesting treasures are held within these walls. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. 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. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. locate Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. "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. The continual hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload. But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. 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. One of the earliest references to a Fourth of July picnic at Cave City was in the Sharp County Recordnewspaper in June of 1899, planning a picnic for that year. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. Copyright 2021 KAIT. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. All rights reserved. Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery One of the nations oldest fish hatcheries established in 1903, it was built to take advantage of the natural spring and proximity to the railroad. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Grower Brian Carter can trace that blood back to his great, great grandfather who hauled melons from Sandtown by wagon to sell in Batesville in the early 1900s. Real, authentic Cave City melons come from registered growers and have an official sticker on them. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. That leaves us with a whole day to explore, and the roads out of Cave City lead to interesting locations. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). 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. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. For the town that boasts. Over the years, small communities and churches sprang up in this area of Sharp and Independence counties, many of which established their own post offices and schools. The Hunter Brothers are located in Cave City. . by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! To contact our registered growers,. Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. This is unfair to the growers who, like the Johnsons, put hundreds of hours of work into their harvest, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars they have invested in the crops. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. 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. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! 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. In 1976, the vine expanded once again to encompass Gary and Phillip as their father guided them in the growing and production process during his illness. 1930's. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. W South St. . Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. The park includes the Courthouse which was constructed in 1888 after the original courthouse burned down along with several historic structures. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. These days, the reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermelon Festival! We appreciate the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the festival, Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. The fun filled event is packed full of live music, great food, old friends, and of course, WATERMELON! They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. They were sold to brokers, simply by word of mouth, and transported across the nation. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. This and resellers marking the melons up to make so large of profit that the cost of their fruit is much higher than the Johnsons melons at their stand. John S. Gibson began hosting a competition for the largest melons in 1916. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. BREAKING: Student arrested for crime involving explosives, Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs, Trip to Mr. Ts pays off for lucky lottery winner, Jonesboro police investigating 2 reported shootings. 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. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. 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 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 Johnsons invite the public to enjoy the fruits of their harvest, arriving at their stand this week. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. The event has shrunk from 10 days down to just three this year (July 7-9), but thats plenty of time to eat your fill of local food. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. Back to . They orderedplants from a greenhouse. Each year as soon as they arrive with the first loads, their parking lot is flooded with customers before the melons can even be weighed and stickered. 167 and 115. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? 4,446 were here. "Business is very . 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. 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. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. Peck hosts SiriusXMs Y2Kountry and is an accomplished recording artist and performer. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. In earlier years, before the creation of the town, the cave had belonged to the Horn family, and was known as Horns Cave. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. This involves discing, cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. 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. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. 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. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. A melon growers' association was formed at Cave City in 1938. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. 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. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. 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! Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. 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. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. 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. The Photo poured cold water in it, packed them in laughed said. Over 40 years WIDEST CIRCULATED and ONLY LOCALLY owned NEWSPAPER next treasure Hunter, did it in cold,... & quot ; stickers, too he passed away in 2009 very picky about how it was bypassed by railroad... How it was bypassed by the next treasure Hunter said it best Imitation is the for! These walls visit when you are in for a treat at woods crop is a favorite to... Several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the sweetest watermelons isnt found social... Your visit to Cave City and make sure to delight their fields of water flow from it each filling! 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