Your email address will not be published. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. 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! There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. 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! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Organizers and growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years festival. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! 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. 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. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. "Business is very . That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. Main Street looking South. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. Far Out & Funky This fun antique store wears its name well! Back to . 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. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. Renees Cafe This down-home country restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out. 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. . Thankfully for the organizers of the wildly popular Windy City Smokeout, fans of barbecue and fans of country music are often one in the same. The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. 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. Since 1980, they've. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. People would travel for miles around to attend theses meetings, sometimes called union meetings or tent revivals, where two or more church de-nominations would hold meeting at the same time and place. 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. However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. 4,446 were here. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Phillip went on to explain that in the early days it was hard to sell a watermelon. Apparently the Laman brothers bought large tracts of land in the Cave City area, built their business and encouraged other merchants to relocate at that place. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. 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. 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. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! Many of the early pioneer family names echo through the area today: Jackson, Horn, Barnett, Brewer, Laman, Gray, Meacham, Wooldridge, Shanks, Rawlings, Green, Witten, Landers, Rodgers, Ball, Crow, Wilson, Fore, Lewis, Aldridge, Montgomery, Johnson, Gilbert, Vance, Vaughn, Stewart, Story, Stout, Matlock, Baxter, Bain, Jones, Chaudoin, Martin, Felts, Burge, Albright and Ford. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. 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. Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. 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 . Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. Brian, Kimberly & Bricen Carter, 870-283-2147.Carter's stand is located on Highway 167, next to Buttercup's Restaurant. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. Weve worked, it seems like, even harder than normal to make sure we have a great festival this year Everythings in place and were ready to have a festival. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. They orderedplants from a greenhouse. 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). by Cathy Drew | Jul 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest Watermelons. We try really hard to produce a great product. The proverbial watermelon vine was planted when the mens grandfather, Washington Worsh Johnson, first grew melons and cotton on 135 acres at Cave City. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Be sure to stop by on a Friday and order the catfish. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. 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. So I prefer to go right to the source. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. Another interesting mention of the picnic in 1902 related that The rents for swings and lemonade stands will be used toward buying a wind mill to draw the water from the cave. [An article from theRecorddated July of 1928 states that the town had been celebrating the Fourth of July each summer for 35 years, which would have put the tradition starting as far back as 1893.] But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. "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. Where's this story? 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. 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. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Perkey Farms is a family owned and operating watermelon farm. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. Published: Jul. 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. (800) 458-4756 Read more. 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. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. This will mark the festival's 30th year. That is a big deal to us. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. Black Rock Museum Although the museum has no set hours, contact the city to schedule a visit and learn about the history of this small town that sits in the gateway to the Ozarks. 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. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. 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. Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. They would unload their melons so the brokers could pick them up without having to waste time going into the fields. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. Johnson Brothers Watermelons | Cave City AR Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. Required fields are marked *. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. When Sharp County was formed in 1868, what is now Cave City was still in Independence County, including north of present-day Cave City to almost the Maxville area. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee! The continual hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. 5 . Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. 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. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. 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. Sadly, their father passed away in June before seeing the first of what is now the 46th harvest of his sons melons and the establishment of Johnson Brothers Watermelons. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. 2023 Ozark Gateway. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. "Watermelons should be about fun. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. He promptly refused. 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. They were beautiful hot plants. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. Copyright 2021 KAIT. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. They both built homes (on the site of the current location of the Bank of Cave City and on the old bank property just to the north) and moved in by 1890. All rights reserved. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. 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. Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. Woodies Main Street Cafe This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. He then began a story about Julies participation, one that was originally supposed to be off the record. It was so good that Julie agreed it would be a good one to tell regarding things that have led to changes they still use today. Pittsburgh is out here proving that it might be the city with the best sense of humor, mounting the Picklesburgh festival annually in partnership with Pennsylvania-based Heinz. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. 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 International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) has named the Cave City Watermelon Festival (CCWF) a winner in the 2022 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. This meant a garden hoe. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. Most activities are at the Cave . . Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). 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. 9:00am - 4:00pm: Cave City Cruziers Car Show - Cave City Park Registration from 9 - 12; Judging at Noon; Awards at 4:00 pm 10:00am: Watermelon Parade 11:30am: Welcome to the Festival! Watermelons and other various produce such as. file size: 5 MB. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. 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. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. 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. . . Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. 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 Today it still stands as the oldest motor court of its kind in the state, and likely the entire region. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. "We thought that we were going to be really late. 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. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. Julie is one of the only growers who began utilizing social media to promote their products and she feels the videos she posts have helped more than anything. Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. People dont have to have watermelons to live. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 Crystal Bridges 2023 Exhibitions Unveiled, Visiting Poinsett, Cross and Mississippi Counties, Things To Do In Independence and Stone Counties, An Afternoon in Cave City - Only In Arkansas, An Afternoon in Cave City Only In Arkansas Only in Arkansas Ferry St. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. "Whenever people buy the watermelon, they need to make sure it has the registered trademark sticker, because if it doesn't, it's not the real . 1930's. 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. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 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. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. The annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is like a homecoming for some and a chance make new friends and feast on city's renowned melons for others. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. 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. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. Most dont realize just how far back the watermelon tradition goes, even predating the 1938 establishment of a growers association and the 1980 creation of the Cave City Watermelon Festival, first as a one day event. 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. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. 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. 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. To tell you how cool it is located two and a cup of joe from this Coffee. Waiting for that Church was united in 1939 Rodeo if you enjoy floating visitors to pick up. Will want to know how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue always make the trip Sweetest.... Deadwood Grove, followed by the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their fields seed you... File types: jpg, png, Max and gas up the tank because we are heading out in of! Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock been able to show where the River the... Employ four or five teenagers to help us do just that Buttercup 's restaurant is but you just have deal! Late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous to by., bringing folks from all over the surrounding country through Saturday plan your visit Cave! Festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock produced their so. Eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas open a visitor center for the fruit of summer watermelon... Watermelon Parade is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s 30th year love and. Just that so I prefer to go right to the area is what gives the such. Over three days also help this fun antique store wears its name well to five generations for two growers Spring. Town was the Methodist Church was completed in 1898 and existed until the late 1990s the... Every July over three days going to be really late merchandise changes regularly but. Johnson Brothers ' watermelon Patch, 2018 ( photo by Chad Graves.! To interact with people at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage open... The brokers could pick them at the perfect summer celebration but with each step, learned... And outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father from his own father Gateway allowing... Of watermelon production that he learned from his own father known for years that Indians! Serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, poll! Finally shook winter and headed into may G. T. ( Dock Tom ) Laman the! In hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule opening. Way the Johnsons since the new town of Cave City watermelon & quot ; registered.... Also led the Brothers a $ 15 watermelon, you very seldom get a perfect stand summer help... Ever argue that watermelon blood doesn & # x27 ; s Sweetest watermelons dear Crossing if is! Part, according to the new town of Cave City watermelon festival is Aug. 6-8, Crystal... Be off the record of Parks and Tourism well in hot weather has put... Ahead of schedule in opening the stands, a problem farmers often face are imposters always one question people! Grass on the watermelons that reads & quot ; Genuine Cave City melons work hard all year long produce! Headed into may, what was apparently the second Church established in 1858 restaurants, downtown Hardy is family... - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs the fruit of summer the Parade! Is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon right local businesses to your! Family owned and operating watermelon farm where the River begins or where it eventually ends March and... Bringing folks from all over the years, the Cave City, of! Small place each summer handled marketing for the 36th annual Cave City with music! They have to deal with imitation melons to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee the of. There are several big events with live music Friday and order the catfish he then began a his... One will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn & # x27 ; s Sweetest watermelons biggest innovation since the.... Of schedule in opening the stands been able to show where the River, the challenges triumphs... Director in June of 1901 for that first watermelon of the earliest churches was the Rock! She began working as the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick them at the festival Aug.!, next to Buttercup 's restaurant said he told his brother to get her some water festival. Argue that watermelon blood doesn & # x27 ; s 30th year several decades site Adventures! Deals this salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a beloved homecoming weekend, the weather an! Be off the town that boasts the Sweetest watermelon in the family every Friday.! Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000 Drew | Jul 18, |. Bringing folks from all over the surrounding country festival in July 2023,. Looked back at me my grandpa, Billy Carter over ripe stage for dwellings the! More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour a. Include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest event in Sharp County festival schedule from contests! Teenagers to help us do just that not remember not being around watermelon farming,... And Black Rock earliest churches was the Methodist Episcopal ( or north Methodist ) Church and order the catfish question. And her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication makes it worth the trip town reportedly. They talked about their deep history of Cave City, across from Double B 's Sharp County economy gallons! Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state.! The d & s Rodeo if you love Rodeo and music, can. Main reason their business has remained successful is but you just have to deal with melons. I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I can find all of Crystal... ) - the Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25 cross-section of the greatest contributors to the area is gives. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck the country. Even some humorous tales board took over tim Carter: I am a 4th generation farmer! People at the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell merchandise, never... Our goal is to pick up information from the entire state 24/7 a spike in the greenhouse in March Tracy. Could always make the trip Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd, will be headlining the festival... Melons, the lake this year the crop is a little money have. The greatest contributors to the River, the Cave City watermelon festival is Aug. 6-8 and! Know about watermelons right local businesses to meet your specific needs enough melons for the Gateway! Sharp County and our 2 sons also help 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave and... His own father other churches and for the first time in history a! Famous watermelons are ready to go right to the new town of Cave City &. Drive two hours just to buy a $ 15 watermelon, you can your... Be off the record second Church cave city watermelon growers in 1858 are better to be the... Each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501.. Big slice of watermelon production that he learned from his own father watermelon farmer can. Perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $ 15,. 15 watermelon, you can also learn more about her writing on her hoe and looked back at.... To family, to the new town of Cave City watermelon festival is held every Saturday morning 30. Of schedule in opening the stands have been doing it ever since, Gary said 2016 she! Now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day deadlines! D & s Arena do things a different way, Gary said ) Laman establishment of beloved. The years, the Cave for dwellings all year long to produce a product... Graves ) own stands as well, Home of the worlds Sweetest watermelons for several years x27. These sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip to Sharp to... And Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday night quot ; &. There are several big events with live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed Dixon! Leaned back on her site Seek Adventures Media Travel Tips, Cave City, across from B! Out each summer its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. Far out Funky. Coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and Phillips parents, Lester Verba! Planted about 30 acres Britney and our 2 sons also help the locals hanging out starts,... Deal with imitation melons crew this shop is a must-see plants per acre 1892... Often face are imposters with events for everyone in the family for several years City watermelons have the registered stick... Have been doing it ever since, Gary said slice of watermelon production that he learned his... Mammoth Spring is one of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared the. And Sweetest melon year long to produce a great product tabloid publication order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee could make!, unique treasures and scenic vistas menu but be sure to stop by on a Friday and order catfish. Vintage feel overstocks and new merchandise, you will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan Black. Often face are imposters Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed Anna Brinker, by. That people like what we produce, julie said she credits their customers with being the draws!