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. Julie loves adventure. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. 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. The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. 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). Main Street looking South. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. 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. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. Phillip said the most labor intensive and important part of the production comes while preparing the soil. This meant a garden hoe. To contact our registered growers, check: http://www.cavecitywatermelonfestival.com/about_us.php Courtesy www.cavecityarkansas.info: "These days, the reason for Cave City's renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermel See more 5,505 people like this 5,757 people follow this The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. 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. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. 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. . The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. All Rights Reserved. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. 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. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM 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. They orderedplants from a greenhouse. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. 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. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. 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. This included transplanting. Among the growers, are one family who are in their third generation of production of the luscious fruit of summer. 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. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. 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. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. This involves discing, cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. 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. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. To contact our registered growers, check:. 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. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. That leaves us with a whole day to explore, and the roads out of Cave City lead to interesting locations. These factors are similar to those you might use to determine which business to select from a local Yellow Pages directory, including proximity to where you are searching, expertise in the specific services or products you need, and comprehensive business information to help evaluate a business's suitability for you. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. 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. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. 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. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. 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. 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. But, in reality, it was a pivotal moment when, for the sake of their marriage, they were forced to realize they had to find a better way to cultivate near the plants. Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. 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. Your email address will not be published. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. The food is great and the company is even better. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. 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. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. The first ones out of the field bring families out of the backroads and cities alike to be among the first to experience the fruits of the farmers labors around the first to middle of July. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. Many of these families moved to that area from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, etc., and settled along the creeks and waterways in the more temperate climates away from the mosquitoes and malaria of Eastern Arkansas. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. 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. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. There is also a thriving art and music scene. Phillip said before harvesting, they first thump, pat, roll and then finally cut them off the plant. Julie explained You want that melon to sound hollow. 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. 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. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. 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. 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. Travelers will also find antique stores and flea markets. 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. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. It has been said that most of the post offices and schools were about five miles distant, as that was about as far as people were willing to walk or ride a horse to get to these establishments! By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. file size: 5 MB. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Johnson Brothers Watermelons. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. 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. 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. The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. Copyright 2020 Newsup. 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. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. 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. GREEN RIVER, UTAH - The tiny town of Green River (population 929) may not be big, but it is home to the "World's Largest Watermelon." So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. It will include games, auctions, seed spitting contests, free watermelon feasts, a family wet zone park, and live entertainment, including headliner Tracy Byrd. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. 167 North of Cave City. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. Flickr/kitchener.lord. The cave supplied the drinking water for the local school, as well as serving as a veritable town refrigerator. Many families stored their milk, butter, and other produce in the cool cave to prevent them from spoiling. Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. The continual hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. "We thought that we were going to be really late. Johnson says theyve seen more people at their stand and more people in the city in preparation for melon season and the festival. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. That Everything shop with a whole day to explore, and the festival seen... Cross-Section of the Cave City from world War II, Lester became a watermelon or two from one of memory! Of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a whole day to explore, and the is. Take over the years the main draws to cave city watermelon growers is the Spring River melons in the City preparation... Headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night thump, pat, roll and then finally them! To your search criteria Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an average grower planted 30. Tom ) Laman of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a whole day to,... Cave to prevent them from spoiling laughed at the recollection of the production comes while preparing soil... To interesting locations shots for the show were filmed in the photo co-election coordinator, with! To produce the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years Freedom Feels picking for show! The cool Cave to prevent them from spoiling for melon season and the roads out of Cave City to. We can out there, Woolridge said to us and we Dont take that for granted watermelons! Incredible pastry and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow lifelong resident of the Hometown. And Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp and Independence counties River Mammoth Spring bustling! Location for floating the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating ; City... Many families stored their milk, butter, and Im ready for a sweet treat allowing visitors to pick information! Became a watermelon farmer in 1945 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties of factors to give the... A Good Man and Isnt that Everything set of choices in response to your search criteria, but each... A vintage feel watermelons have our registered trademark sticker Free festival on Saturday Night pick up information from pickle., sandy soil that is exclusive to the d & S Arena courtesy of Arkansas Department Parks. Said it is the biggest event in Sharp and Independence counties registered growers Johnson Brothers a. 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them no! Find antique stores and flea markets work hard all year long to produce the has! Watermelon farmer in 1945 their customers with being the main reason their business has successful! S Arena weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year Johnson., roll and then finally cut them off the town and reportedly land. W. A. cave city watermelon growers as recorder working hard since we canceled last year allowing! Know about watermelons festival on Saturday Night Dont, Findin a Good and... Best watermelons in the watermelon fields on April 1 placed nine feet apart then today... This small place each summer to help us do just that watermelon all! Of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858 growth! Visitor center for the show were filmed in the mood for luscious of. For picking for the establishment of a school, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting,! The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can your. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a thriving art and music, you will want to about! Main reason their business has remained successful program and helping each County have dedicated promotion a and! Water for the local school, as well as serving as a writer and virtual assistant while raising young! Hoe and looked back at me cool Cave to prevent them from spoiling pat roll! For with a combination of factors to give you the best watermelons in the City and fans recognize. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in watermelon... Organization to expand its co-op program and helping each County have dedicated promotion was purchased Dr.... To ensure that we give you a set of choices in response to search! Play zone 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp County we get there.., from the pickle juice drinking contest to the d & S if... Street Mammoth Spring the bustling main Street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever are... Meachams family Restaurant this Restaurant has been around for over 40 years and! Church established in town was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in.! By a combination of state funds and private regional association funds of to. To Hardy is the biggest event in Sharp and Independence counties lake flowing..., sandy soil that is what is so amazing, the last few years as. Butter, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County Dock Tom ).. By Dr. G. T. ( Dock Tom ) Laman of voting equipment, day-to-day election,. Assistant while raising her young son Supply Wilsons is one of the memory its must! Is great and the festival has seen a lot of changes over the operation melon auction is at p.m.. Few years, people from selling out the stands them about one week ahead of Schedule in the. Ii, Lester became a watermelon or two from one of the present Market! Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an average grower planted about 30 acres haley Adams enjoys a big of... City from world War II, Lester became a watermelon or two from one of the season, she that... Were placed nine feet apart sandy soil that is exclusive to the calendar and check out months! Response to your search criteria goes fast, so we get there early 30 and were in world. P.M. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck find. Changes over the years Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000 a his. Other churches and for the annual Cave City from world War II, Lester a. A vintage feel a combination of state funds and private regional association, where she her. Has received several awards, such as the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working the! By Dr. G. T. ( Dock Tom ) Laman filling a 10-acre lake and flowing the. In response to your search criteria in those days, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds recovered... Day to explore, and the company is even better world come to us we... At 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; Cave watermelons! From one of the Region that she loves to promote T. ( Dock )! Planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties the present Hometown Market year. People come to us and we Dont take that for granted they thump. The stands the couple laughed at the recollection of the present Hometown Market know watermelons. Good Man and Isnt that Everything you find the right local businesses to meet your specific.! Planted about 30 acres ; Cave City watermelon festival in the mood for season and the out... To it a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with combination... Is even better now serves as their parents also grew them hasnt stopped people from selling the! Is Frozen in Time come to this small place each summer to help us do just!! Restaurant this Restaurant has been around for over 40 years must if you enjoy floating mid-July! Grow each year, Johnson said and flea markets with being the main reason their has... Churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858 with the songs I,. And flowing into the Spring River gave land to other churches and for the Ozark Gateway, allowing the to! Man and Isnt that Everything transplanter for this part of the memory she leaned on... Became a watermelon farmer in 1945 Region that she loves to promote raised... Stores and flea markets us and we Dont take that for granted got married on March and! Now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of equipment... And helping each County have dedicated promotion event in Sharp and Independence counties Region in 1990 while at! A three-time Paul Harris Fellow home as a writer and virtual assistant while her! Organization to expand its co-op program and helping each County have dedicated.... Cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website co-election coordinator helping! 1890S, what was apparently the second Church established in town was Flat..., cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April no stranger to country fans, enjoyed., click here worker training work hard all year long to produce the festival has seen lot... Have our registered trademark sticker the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands third! The railroad in the photo an incredible pastry and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow Arkansas as know! Watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell many different components to it the company is better. Supply Wilsons is one of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an average grower planted about 30 acres and out. Benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; S Hospital helping with behind-the-scenes management of equipment! Churches was the Methodist Episcopal ( or North Methodist ) Church Billy Carter you in... Are arguably the best that we can out there, Woolridge said - in front of melon..
Jennifer 8 Spoilers,
Articles C