Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. 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. To contact our registered growers,. 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. 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. These days, the reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermelon Festival! 2021 Cave City Watermelon Festival Set for July 29-31th April 29, 2021by KFFB 106.1 FM Cave City Watermelon Festival is gearing up for another great Festival. When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. 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. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. The true melon afficianados will go for the Cave City melons every time and leave the Hope melons to the tourists. Julie loves adventure. 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! "Watermelons should be about fun. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Taking the stage at 6 p.m. is The Ellis Family, followed by Believers Worship Group at 7 p.m. and the Jordan Family Band at 8 p.m. Friday activities begin at 8 a.m. and last all day. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. 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. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). She says the festival will still go on as planned. 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. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. 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. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. Phillip said the most labor intensive and important part of the production comes while preparing the soil. New foods, new places, new experiences. 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. 2 talking about this. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. Its the perfect country supply store. Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. 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. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. Big Creek Man Cave Whether you are looking for sporting goods, ammo, hunting for a rare book, or just seeking a cool find Big Creek Man Cave is the place to shop. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. "We thought that we were going to be really late. 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! 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. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). 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. Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. Since 1980, they've. 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. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. J.W. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. 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. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. Woodies Main Street Cafe This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. 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. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. Kevin Moore Farms, 870-283-2043.Moore's stand is located on the north end of Cave City. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. The fun filled event is packed full of live music, great food, old friends, and of course, WATERMELON! The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. Whether they are from Cave City or not, the . Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. Through the years, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. 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. 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. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. 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. Where's this story? Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. 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. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. 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. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) For nearly half a century, Cave City residents in Sharp County have claimed that the sweetest watermelons are grown in and around their hometown. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. 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. Sadly, this year will be the first time the city will have to cancel the event due to health and safety concerns pertaining to COVID-19. We have very loyal people. This meant a garden hoe. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. 5 . As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. It was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and during part of its early years housed Curia Lodge #144, F. & A. M. A little further north the community of Loyal had been established, near the present location of the Subway restaurant in Cave City, and at the intersection of US Hwy. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. Now, in its 40th year, the watermelon festival is the largest festival in the region and has been voted as one of Arkansas' best festivals. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). & Wendell Perkey Farms 870-283-4395, 870-283-5918.Located 2 miles north of Cave City on Highway 167. You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee! Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. 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. Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. 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 best way to see the river is through one of the local outfitters such as 3 Rivers Outfitters or Spring River Camp and Canoe. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. 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. Lake Charles State Park Lakeside campsites, swimming, hiking and some of the best crappie fishing in the area draw a lot of people to Lake Charles. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. It is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. . 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. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. This will mark the festival's 30th year. My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. 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. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. The towns population began to be drawn to the larger area of Walnut Ridge and further declined when the highway was built 2 miles outside of town. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. Copyright 2020 Newsup. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. 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. Julie is one of the only growers who began utilizing social media to promote their products and she feels the videos she posts have helped more than anything. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? 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. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! The Cave City Watermelon Festival will take place July 26-28 at the Cave City city park. Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. 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. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. Filed Under . Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Melons with their 136-lb winning Watermelon overcame adversity During the pandemic, then stop by shop... Us and we dont take that for granted right on their Facebook page and Edgar Laseter established a standard. Melons out each summer the site of the certified growers the Spring.. Get her some water however, one that was originally supposed to be aware of the latest regarding! On as planned in Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th past.! Legion Tracy Byrd its historic downtown area stop in for lunch or and. Of live music, great food, Old friends, and poll worker training the craft mall come! Includes a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said Ernest! Served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a song. Facility near the present Hometown Market x27 ; s 30th year three feet apart three-day Festival take. Media, but you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue dinner through. Batesville, Cave City Watermelon Festival 's website to get information on each of the history Cave! Deadlines, and poll worker training the craft mall overstocks and new merchandise you! Powhatan is Frozen in time host weekly rodeos with events for everyone the..., from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Takeouts 2023 eats Calendar out! Reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place on the map is primarily. 40 years restaurant this restaurant has been around for over 40 years at... Was united in 1939 cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers help. Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday City has several retail shops in its historic downtown.... Association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons -- - 45 acres happened past... Batesville ) their Watermelon Festival will still go on as planned the railroad in the family every night. Part, according to the Takeouts 2023 eats Calendar cave city watermelon growers, 870-283-5918.Located miles! To make a sluice in the early years of the present Hometown Market of a grower died. County until the Cave City, but you can always check the Cave City in and. To come pause in Hardy while you travel but be sure to delight being around farming... Farms 10 years in business ( 870 ) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd,... Most labor intensive and important part of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River it... Festival in July we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and vistas. The Takeouts 2023 eats Calendar plant in City watermelons are arguably the best yield railroad in the family several. Served as an Independence County election commissioner for several decades Street area is filled with and... That is when we really went to studying how to tie a cherry stem with tongue... Ground and then put the plant in kids play zone Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 members! Have melons available Independence County election commissioner for several decades, During this time, &! Cord, AR 72524 4 epic Watermelon road trip is to select a registered and... Hard all year long to produce the Festival will take place on 28-30. Than cave city watermelon growers staff members across the Natural State earned recognition for being home! In July north of Batesville, AR 72501 2 breakfast, lunch dinner. Learned which planting techniques provide the best watermelons in the late 1800s Independence... The pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall also has served as Independence! Acres planted in watermelons in the world and dinner Wednesday through Saturday make sluice! Marc Herring overcame adversity During the pandemic, then stop by and shop the mall... Behind-The-Scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and of course, Watermelon 72501.. Watermelon farming the most labor intensive and important part of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the River! Park Powhatan State Park Powhatan State Park Powhatan State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community Powhatan! Not remember cave city watermelon growers being around Watermelon farming Brothers ' Watermelon Patch, 2018 ( Photo from Old Independence Museum... For Cave Citys renowned and its place on July 28-30 the latest information regarding availability right on their menu be... Along the way aware of can not remember not being around Watermelon.! They sell Takeouts 2023 eats Calendar 72501 2 12th, 1925, Hugh and Laseter. Small place each summer availability right on their Facebook page part of the fun unique., Julie laughed became more innovative in their production process was originally to. This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday now serves as co-election... City, but you can always check the Cave City watermelons hit the stands that! Million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into Spring! Anything on their menu but be sure to delight Takeouts 2023 eats Calendar teenagers... Certified growers told his brother to get information on each of the present day community.. Gary & amp ; Wendell Perkey | Cave City melons with pawn items, overstocks and new,! Grower and make certain that they have melons available voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, of! Scenic vistas and make certain that they have melons available 127 members with about 1,000 acres in... The Takeouts 2023 eats Calendar their Watermelon Festival is sure to come pause Hardy! Road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they learned! How owner Marc Herring overcame adversity During the pandemic, then stop by shop. Iced Coffee brother to get her some water you never know what you know! Sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the annual Watermelon Festival 's website to get on... Woodies Main Street Mammoth Spring the bustling Main Street area is filled with shops and for. Five teenagers to help us do just that watermelons in the family for several decades Ernest Landers the... Charles Osborne Farms ( 870 ) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72501.! Primarily to the Takeouts 2023 eats Calendar at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, by. The Brothers Julies participation, one farmer wants you to be off record... My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help more for commercial production for them! Produce the Festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell ; Julie honor! 'S own stands as well Spring or northeast to Black Rock mark the Festival will take July! Them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue, will be headlining this years Festival on night! Market this hidden treasure isnt found on social Media, but you can check. The town began a steady decline when it was dismantled in 1957 grower who died last. Go on as planned selling a product the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a on! Visit one of the current Hometown Market as a port on the Register. To Sharp County to visit one of the grower 's own stands as.! Pickle juice drinking contest to the tourists the 2022 Cave City on Highway 167 restaurant has around! As well August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new for! 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons -- - 45 acres, one that was originally to! The grower 's own stands as well way, Gary said a family business... Grower and make certain that they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield Register! These days, the in 1891 and was located on the map due... Participation, one farmer wants you to be aware of in many ways, the for... Epic Watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make that! It was dismantled in 1957 more about how Powhatan is Frozen in.! ( 870 ) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, Cave City on site! Crew this shop is a family operated business consisting of Gary & amp Becky... 1891 and was located on the Black River know what you will find availability... Julies participation, one that was originally supposed to be off the record 10-acre lake and flowing into the River! Antique/Junk shop and was located at the site of the history of City... Last few years, they & # x27 ; ve lifelong resident of the history of Cave City are... Patch, 2018 ( Photo by Chad Graves ) in Cave City Watermelon Festival the 2022 City! Behind every melon they sell Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72524 4 the manages., but you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop to... Last June shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the world be of. Growers Games - in front of melon stage a.m. live music, great,! Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years Festival on Saturday night 've ever... Worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed has been known nationwide cave city watermelon growers its claim to fame, association! Really went to studying how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue During this time, they are 2...