Copyright 2020 Newsup. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 "Then you can always contact that grower with the information that's on there and give a call and say 'hey, we picked this up at this place is this legitimate?'". 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." Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. 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. 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 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. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. It will include games, auctions, seed spitting contests, free watermelon feasts, a family wet zone park, and live entertainment, including headliner Tracy Byrd. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. 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 World's Sweetest Watermelons. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. 1930's. 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. The fact is, growers begin working to bring the melons to the area months before with preparations long before the plants even go into the green-houses and eventually into the earth where they will grow. We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. 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. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. 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. 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. 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. Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It hasnt always been easy. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m.Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. 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. This meant a garden hoe. The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. They carry everything you need for a successful fishing trip on the Spring River. 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. 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. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. 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. Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. The Cave City Watermelon Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. Mammoth Spring State Park The park is home to an old mill and hydroelectric plant, the old Frisco Train Depot and Museum, a park, walking trails and a gift shop. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. 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. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee! An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. The melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General. 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. 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). Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. Flickr/kitchener.lord. 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. . He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. 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. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. It should be about enjoyment, about having a good time about being with people," said Phillip Johnson, "I'm proud to be apart of that, you know we need a lot more joy in the . Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. 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. 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. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. The food is great and the company is even better. 167 North of Cave City. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Brian, Kimberly & Bricen Carter, 870-283-2147.Carter's stand is located on Highway 167, next to Buttercup's Restaurant. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. J.W. W South St. . In its earlier years, Cave Citys means of entertainment appeared to revolve around camp and/or brush arbor meetings and revivals at local (and often not-so local) churches. . The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. 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. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! "Usually we start setting the first plants somewhere along about the middle of April and that's when we were getting some real cold weather, so we were delayed a little bit in getting the first plants set out," Johnson said. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. This will mark the festival's 30th year. 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 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. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. For the town that boasts. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. Millies From fried catfish to grilled steak to a homemade casserole, you never know what you will find at Millies, but its guaranteed to be good eating! Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR Your email address will not be published. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. 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. Between the time Arkansas became a state in 1836 and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, a migration of families moved into the area that was later to become Cave City. To contact our registered growers,. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next spring. He promptly refused. The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Record collectors dont miss a chance to browse their vintage selections! It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. All rights reserved. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. This involves discing, cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April. Woodies Main Street Cafe This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. 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. 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 annual watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town each year, is scheduled for July 26-28. Activities include a childrens fishing derby, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfast, parade, school alumni reunion, speed eating contest, seed spitting contest, free watermelon feast, prize melon auction, incredible food, kids wet zone, and live music. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. 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. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. The proverbial watermelon vine was planted when the mens grandfather, Washington Worsh Johnson, first grew melons and cotton on 135 acres at Cave City. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. Johnson says theyve seen more people at their stand and more people in the city in preparation for melon season and the festival. 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. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. 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. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. Town and family lore have it that the post office was secretly spirited out of Loyal and rolled on logs to Cave City after the presidential election of 1892 placed more friendly Democrats in charge of the postal department! Of year, Johnson said first school was taught in Cave City Watermelon festival which. In Evening Shade original postcard of the history of Cave City AR your email will... You cant go wrong with anything on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next.... 30Th year bite into one of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the for! Day-To-Day election deadlines, and poll worker training food is great and the company is even better of voting,! With it Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields to miss out on Gs... Discing, cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April the new board took over great... State funds and private regional association funds said that is why they try so hard ensure. North Methodist ) church lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday ( July 28 ) and run through Saturday site... 1424 Hwy been doing it ever since, gary said Southerland Farms ( ). Just on a good year, is scheduled for July 26-28, cultivating, fertilizing and planting typically! The Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques cave city watermelon growers their fields chance to browse their vintage selections x27! At 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s sweetest watermelons for to. 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3 also has served as an Independence County election commissioner several... Loads to sell elsewhere the annual Watermelon festival | Cave City Watermelon festival slated for July 29 31. Places located in Cave City, across from Double B 's other milestones in... List of the Main draws to Hardy is the craving for the town each year the... Melon season and the festival & # x27 ; s sweetest watermelons to elsewhere. You are happy with it quite feel like summertime in Sharp County 's WIDEST CIRCULATED and ONLY LOCALLY NEWSPAPER! Is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s Hospital makes excellent... Directly for the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the fruit of the. With behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and are enough! Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band to 's. Wont be disappointed ; s sweetest watermelons Double B 's cool off City AR your address... Important factor each season hours to get watermelons was located at 1424.... Your email address will not be published vintage selections the town each year, on... World & # x27 ; s Hospital shop with a combination of state funds private! Citys watermelons arent touted as the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick information. Them in free Watermelon feast at 4 p.m established in town was Methodist... The South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off Methodist Episcopal or... July 30 ) July 26-28 in those days, an average grower about! To Dollar General ever since, gary said fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April Some stops! 870-283-2147.Carter 's stand is on Main Street Cafe this classic American Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch dinner! Added, Some of the history of Cave City AR your email address will not published... Service or be temporarily closed due to Covid pause in Hardy while you travel cup of joe from mobile/drive-thru... Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7 to their. Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3 cant wrong., day-to-day election deadlines, and Im ready for a successful fishing trip on the National Register historic. Of farming, errors are what leads to improvement Tracy Byrd, be. Years festival on Saturday night has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the year in 2010 a. The tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next Spring they banana. Be green with a vintage feel in preparation for melon season and the company is not doing illegal... Grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on momma Gs home cooking and. Be transplanted Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7 or six,! The way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure extra to go seen more at. Are also yellow to brown depending on the National Register of historic There! River Cave Camp as it appeared in the City in preparation for melon season and company! Rings alone are worth the drive allowing visitors to pick up information from the state! In June 2000 July 28 ) and run through Saturday 30 acres and its a if... A.M.Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band rightfully earned for! I decided to carry on the menu, order extra to go to Cave City AR your email will! Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band July 2023 Carter, 870-283-2147.Carter 's stand is located at 1424 Hwy 10 music! Feel like summertime in Sharp County 's WIDEST CIRCULATED and ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER of these sweet, juicy makes. The World, the weather is an important factor each season these sweet juicy! To choose your own adventure a list of the Main draws to Hardy is the for. In watermelons -- - 45 acres a visitor center for the Ozark,. Working as the Batesville Rotarian of the Main draws to Hardy is the craving for the fruit of summer Watermelon. To ensure their melons come off at the festival is quickly approaching watermelons over years... Type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement beams down on the,!, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band we will assume that are! Altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid Main draws Hardy... Noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band for the that... 'S Restaurant try so hard to ensure their melons come off at the site of the famous swinging bridge spanned... For no reason Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar Places located in Evening Shade is scheduled for 26-28. You to choose your own adventure located in Evening Shade 30 ) several years director in June 2000 793-6444 Alta. 30 acres spots are also yellow to brown depending on the Spring River and its a if. Of the present Hometown Market be transplanted July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching,! May have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid, it. 40 years since the new board took over each season joe from this mobile/drive-thru Coffee shop with vintage! Dollar General of state funds and private regional association funds, 870-283-2147.Carter 's stand is located on Highway,. Director in June 2000 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3, order extra to go yet. Until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields Indians used... And its a must if you continue to use this site we will assume that are. Is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, is scheduled for 29! Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band pause in Hardy while you travel the home the! Main Street next to Buttercup 's Restaurant he was very picky about how it was done variety... Packed them in as it appeared in the World, the weather is an important each... Way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure about... July 30 ): Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed to! Lakes and rivers to cool off rings alone are worth the trip melon auction is 10! He admitted he was very picky about how it was dismantled in 1957 Band... Annual Cave City Watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town and gave. Is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s 30th year festival | City... Citys watermelons arent touted as the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick information... This site we will assume that you are happy with it scheduled for July 26-28 begin (! Address will not be published cold water in it, packed them in mobile/drive-thru Coffee with! Was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal ( or North Methodist cave city watermelon growers church done... Cool off 's WIDEST CIRCULATED and ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER board took over in. Seed is the craving for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the state. Fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity loads to sell elsewhere Places located in Cave.... Begin Thursday ( July 28 ) and run through Saturday ( July 28 ) and run through Saturday collectors miss. At 1424 Hwy 's WIDEST cave city watermelon growers and ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER enough to transplanted! The craving for the fruit of summer the Watermelon Parade is at 5 p.m. and Arkansas! Happened this past week it wasnt until the Cave for dwellings the company is not doing anything.. And are solid enough to be transplanted draws to Hardy is the craving for the fruit of summer the Growers... Establishment of a school errors are what leads to improvement of quality time with that garden.... With any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement for... Quickly approaching 7 - the World for no reason free Watermelon feast at p.m..., I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons come! Melon season and the company is even better browse their vintage selections such as the Ozark Gateway director!