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. 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 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. We have very loyal people. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! At the time, Phillip was 13. On an extremely hot day, one Julie described as the seventh circle of hell, the couple were working in the field after cultivating the rows spaced ten feet apart with a tractor. So much so that Cave Citys watermelons are celebrated each year at the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival Celebrating its 42ndyear, the 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Now, in its 43rd year, the watermelon festival is the largest festival in the region and has been voted as one of Arkansas' best festivals. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage 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. 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. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Welcome home! The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. 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. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. . The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. Johnson Brothers Watermelons. The memorial is being built near the city hall, under the big welcome sign. 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. 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. To contact our registered growers,. 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. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. 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 . These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). 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 the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. Today it still stands as the oldest motor court of its kind in the state, and likely the entire region. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. 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. 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. He said, I will let them sit there and rot before I take that. Phillip laughed, recalling the story, And thats exactly what happened. Their grandmothers family also grew melons and peddled them door to door after hauling them by wagon to Batesville. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. 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. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. New foods, new places, new experiences. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. In earlier years, before the creation of the town, the cave had belonged to the Horn family, and was known as Horns Cave. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". 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. Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing the same busyness. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . 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. Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. Phillip said the most labor intensive and important part of the production comes while preparing the soil. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. 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. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m.Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. All Rights Reserved. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. . Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. This included transplanting. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. 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. Jonesboro! "Business is very . Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. 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. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. 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. 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. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. While watermelons are still at the center of our celebration, we also celebrate the people and businesses that make the Cave City area one of the greatest places in Arkansas! The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. The Johnsons reputation is based on the sweetness and perfection of their melons and they dont want to put the responsibility of cutting them off the vine on anyone else. Its part of The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the years best events. 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! "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. It is something you are going to enjoy. Watermelons and other various produce such as. The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. 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." Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. 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 Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. 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. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. Usually the Cave City Watermelon Festival is held the week after the Hope Watermelon Festival, but this year they were held concurrently. Gather around for events such as the biggest happy hour of the summer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch on Sunday. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. 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. It is about an event, about happiness. Johnson Brothers Watermelons | Cave City AR They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. We did everything wrong we possibly could, Gary said. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. 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. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. CAVE CITY, Ark. By 1955, the Melon Growers Association met and elected a Board of Directors, consisting of Hassel Ford (President), Silas James, Coy Crow, Verl Ball, and Ernest Landers (who, by the way, was Charles Landers father). Byrd and Danielle Peck purchase loads to sell elsewhere growers rented stalls in a near... To emulate the nostalgia of a school trademark stick on the menu, but you will find loads of inside... The Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 Festival Takeouts 2023 eats calendar, a rundown of the Takeouts eats. 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