They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. 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. 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. Watermelons and other various produce such as. The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Phillip went on to explain that in the early days it was hard to sell a watermelon. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. 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. by Cathy Drew | Jul 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest Watermelons. 4,446 were here. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. 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. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. Saturday, Jul 30, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. Cave City Park. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. 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. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. Mr. Carpenter retrieved many of the Indian relics from the cave and built a museum of sorts which housed these relics on the walkway into the entrance of the cave. Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. 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. Copyright 2018KAIT. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! This line of the Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. CAVE CITY, Ark. We have very loyal people. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Cave City's activities in producing watermelons reach as far back as 1938, when a Melon Grower's Association for Sharp and Independence counties was organized at Cave City . Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. 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. She says the festival will still go on as planned. 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. Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind event for decades. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next spring. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. So many interesting treasures are held within these walls. Besides producing quality melons, Julie said the trademark sticker for registered users that brands the melons has helped bring customers to their stand. Its part of The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the years best events. 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. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs. Organizers and growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years festival. So I prefer to go right to the source. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. Ozark Classic Craft Mall Like many small businesses, the last year has been difficult. The festival struck Gold, outshining all the other entries in the Best Video Promotion (Budget under $100,000) division. 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. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. . Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. The continual hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. That congregation has continued to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Childrens Hospital. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. This meant a garden hoe. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. 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 cave at Cave City served as a source of pride for the community for many years, and the Cave Courts housed many tourists who traveled through that area of Northeast Arkansas. 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. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! The Street family has maintained a controlling interest in the bank since the time of Roe Streets election in 1919. Peck hosts SiriusXMs Y2Kountry and is an accomplished recording artist and performer. 71 were here. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. Voters again reject proposed Highland School millage increase, Cave City athlete sets school and state indoor track record, Nashville Songwriter with local roots inks new songwriting contract, Arkansas States new Digital Technology and Design Program offers new emphasis areas, West Plains resident reflects on life-saving heart care received at Ozarks Healthcare. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. 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). As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. 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. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. They orderedplants from a greenhouse. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. For the town that boasts. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. 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. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. Most activities are at the Cave . Where's this story? YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. 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. In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry. All rights reserved. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. 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. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. Historical Marker An historical marker documenting the Civil War in Sharp County and the Sharp Family in the Civil War can be seen at the corner of West Main and Court Streets. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. They were beautiful hot plants. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. Cave City bills itself as having the worlds sweetest watermelons. Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed full of fun and entertainment for the entire family. Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. Brothers Jonathan and Justin Hunter are the newest and youngest registered Cave City Watermelon Growers. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. 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. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. CAVE CITY, Ark. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Through the years, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield. It then puts about a cup of water in the hole and Julie and Becky sit on the back of the machine and place the rooted plants in the ground one by one. 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 . She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. 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. 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 . Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. The Cave City Watermelon Festival gets underway Thursday. Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. . Gather around for events such as the biggest happy hour of the summer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch on Sunday. The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. The men and women who work all year long to make the festival the largest in the area with some of the best food, entertainment and fellowship. 167 and 115. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. WEATHERFORD, TEXAS - The north Texas city was once one of the state's biggest watermelon growers (not so much anymore) and once featured an oversized watermelon sculpture outside its courthouse. 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. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own 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! (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. The International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) has named the Cave City Watermelon Festival (CCWF) a winner in the 2022 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. Julie loves adventure. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. All rights reserved. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! 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. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. 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. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. 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