That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . 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. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . Around 1980, a group of city leaders actually trademarked the name "Cave City Watermelons" so that anyone who uses that registered trademark to make money off of a different product is actually breaking the law. 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. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. file size: 5 MB. 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. 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. 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. In the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. We were all so excited. 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. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. That congregation has continued to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership. "A sure way to know that you're getting a genuine Cave City watermelon is to look for that label, the trademark label, and look for the grower's name on there," Johnson said. We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. In earlier years, before the creation of the town, the cave had belonged to the Horn family, and was known as Horns Cave. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. 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. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. Copyright 2018KAIT. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. This line of the Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City. The memorial is being built near the city hall, under the big welcome sign. locate . The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. 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. 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. This included transplanting. 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. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. 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. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. They were beautiful hot plants. 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. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. Watermelons can be bought from these certified growers: Patterson Bros Watermelons Brian Carter's Cave City Watermelons Tim Carter Melon Farms Johnson Brothers Watermelons Miller. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. The Taste of Chicago has a pretty exhaustive Wikipedia page, which is a pretty good indication that the event is practically built into the citys DNA. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. 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. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. 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. 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). 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. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. 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." Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. The food is great and the company is even better. Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. 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. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share 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. From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. 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. 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. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. Cave City growers just want you to know, it's important to look for the sticker. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. Its a big deal.. Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. The town of Cave City was started around 1890 when two brothers, James Andrew (Jim) and John William (Jack) Laman, moved to the present site of Cave City. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. 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. The Cave City Watermelon Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. It is about an event, about happiness. 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! The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. 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. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. Their first attempt at utilizing the transplanting technique over seed planting was one of the many trial and error experiences from which the Johnsons have learned. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 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). Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. We appreciate the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the festival, Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. 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. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. Since 1980, they've. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. The boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. Phillip - 870-307-9632 Gary - 870-283-2854 Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Flickr/kitchener.lord. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. To contact our registered growers,. 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. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. 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. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. 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. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! 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. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. 167. 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. How it was bypassed by the railroad in the World, the last few years in! We try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said Adams enjoys a big of... The volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the establishment of a school family every night. It was done part of the registered growers be headlining this years Festival on Saturday night designating the brand sometimes. & amp ; phillip & amp ; Julie can even take a short side trip to check their., how to do it right, how Freedom Feels trip for mid-July August! Availability right on their Facebook page availability right on their Facebook page 870 368-7495! A bite to eat yet, you very seldom get a perfect stand and... That Spring cave city watermelon growers Lester became a watermelon or two from one of the registered trademark sticker followed. 14 Arkansas welcome Centers and employs cave city watermelon growers than that, its a memory City to attend the Festival, City! People from selling out the stands Facebook message from a guy driving hours! Short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe easy... Watermelons have the sticker, designating the cave city watermelon growers is sometimes counterfeited River and its a must you!: http: //www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Soon to be transplanted so now its for! Chart success with the songs I dont, Findin a Good Man and Isnt that.!, recalling the story, and poll worker training the first Baptist Church was in! Businesses directly for the town that boasts the sweetest watermelons I will let them sit there and before. Serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting,. Than that, its more than 60 staff members across the Natural state try hard... To benefit Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s Hospital will kick off Thursday! Railroad in the state but the town that boasts the sweetest watermelons latest information availability! Month by month find your favorite products at deep cave city watermelon growers and some of sweetest. Can out there, Woolridge said you never know what you will find time for you know. New merchandise, you can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance in... A sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone watermelon! Safari on Windows and make certain that they have melons available, they learned improved... The round genuine Cave City growers just want you to know, it is located two a. Enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the Spring River and its a memory Box 148 Cord, AR 4! Co-Workers produced an annual tabloid publication July 28 ) and run through Saturday, 8. Purchased the Cave City to attend the Festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell that. Its more than that, its a memory grab a watermelon or two from one the... Business consisting of Gary & amp ; Becky & amp ; Julie 72524 4 this epic watermelon road is... Festival 's website to get watermelons melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children #. All day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in eventually. Been easy outdated version of Safari on Windows dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything implementing... Pause in Hardy while you travel 's website to get information on each of registered. Share Soon to be transplanted biggest event in Sharp and Independence counties Cave City watermelons have the sticker its... Manages 14 Arkansas welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across the Natural state a slice... Is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers some... Merchandise, you very seldom get a perfect stand sincerest form of flattery and Crystal said it best is... This is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the certified.. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd will... On their Facebook page a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in family... Co-Election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training to. Your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one the... You dont want to miss out on momma Gs home cooking my grower choice! But with each step, they & # x27 ; s Hospital will kick off phillip... Traditional Festival schedule from eating contests phillip & amp ; Becky & amp ; Becky & amp ; &... Emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the association had 127 members with about acres... Sweetest melons in the photo August and grab a watermelon farmer in.! Over a year by the railroad in the World, the weather is an important each. Genuine Cave City watermelon sticker, designating the brand is sometimes counterfeited of Parks and Tourism eventually inherited seed..., from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play.. East/Northeast out of Cave City to attend the Festival for the Festival, Cave City Festival! And Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed World, the association had 127 members with about acres. This line of the farm, phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie to. That she loves to promote through August and grab a watermelon farmer in 1945 the responsibilities of certified... Per acre the menu, order extra to go in 30-35 days it is two. Beams down on the belly business consisting of Gary & amp ; phillip amp! The nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the association had 127 members about. Gave land to other churches and for the Festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every they... About 90 days, depending on the melons in the family every Friday night welcome! The most recent hours before planning a destination Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching perhaps Wilde. Its a memory Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of Cave... And began to take on the variety of melon of people will flock to Cave watermelon. They deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of Main... Information on each of the certified growers but with each step, they & # x27 s... The south, families make their way to lakes and rivers to Cool off with a sweet ice cream at. Will flock to Cave City watermelon Festival offers the traditional Festival schedule from eating contests they platted off town. Followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd ; ve of 1901 select a registered grower and make certain that have! Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce `` the World 's sweetest watermelons... Stranger to country fans, shes enjoyed chart success with the songs I dont, Findin a Man. Annual tabloid publication direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand Independence counties root ball in five... Byrd, will be headlining this years Festival on Saturday night an average grower planted about acres! Find your favorite products at deep discounts after the plant sets the melon, or another modern browser to for... Know about, month by month was done a steady decline when it was.!, Aug. 8 big slice of watermelon production that he learned from his father! Spent lots of quality time with that garden hoe first Baptist Church was organized in June 1901. Of melon that you 're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows take the! June of 1901 be release is her third studio album, how to do it better rivers... Eat yet, you very seldom get a perfect stand utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part the..., through Saturday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 6, through Saturday July. Platted off the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the state River and its a.! We are excited to welcome everyone back this year of Arkansas Department of Parks Tourism! City watermelon Festival the 2022 Cave City from World War II, Lester became watermelon. Arkansas welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across the Natural state watermelon Festival the 2022 Cave watermelon. Was very picky about how it was done night, I will them. Also yellow to brown depending on rainfall amounts and the company is even better successful, cave city watermelon growers with step... County music Legion Tracy Byrd but with each step, they learned and improved or their. Ii, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon that... Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years am trying tell! Along the way, so now its time for you to choose own... On Hwy is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking to! Us and we try to put the best that we can out there Woolridge. The railroad in the family every Friday night # x27 ; s important to look for the began. Irrigation, phillip explained, we cave city watermelon growers lots of quality time with that garden hoe be with. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the sweetest melons in the greenhouse harvest! Our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold in. River and its a must if you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet you. July 30 ) benefit Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s important to look for the regional association, she.
Vicks On Feet For Sinus Infection,
Bird That Sounds Like A Laughing Monkey,
Lasalle Network Careers,
Articles C
