"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?'". Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. 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. The profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. J.W. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! 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. Created with Sketch. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. That is a big deal to us. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR 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. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. 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. 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. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. Phillip said before harvesting, they first thump, pat, roll and then finally cut them off the plant. Julie explained You want that melon to sound hollow. 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! From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. He promptly refused. Main Street looking South. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. . Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. Outfitters include Spring River Oaks, Many Islands Camp and Canoe, and Southfork Resort. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. Cave City watermelons are so unparalleled that there is a list of registered growers who put stickers on their products so buyers know their watermelons are official Cave City Watermelons. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. With a wagon and team, Worsh hauled his melons out of the field and placed them in Big Creek near present day North Ridge Road to cool. 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. Held in the Cherry Capital of the WorldTraverse City, Michigan, that isthe National Cherry Festival runs for the entire week of July 1-8, a testament to just how celebrated this stone fruit is among locals and tourists alike (We are thrilled to put cherries on the top of everyones mind, reads the official website). 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. This three-day event will be held July 28-30th and will include entertainment, fun vendors, yummy food trucks, a parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, which is courtesy of the watermelon growers in the area. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. CAVE CITY, Ark. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! John S. Gibson began hosting a competition for the largest melons in 1916. 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. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The Cave City Watermelon Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching. Real, authentic Cave City melons come from registered growers and have an official sticker on them. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. 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. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. 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. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. Usually the Cave City Watermelon Festival is held the week after the Hope Watermelon Festival, but this year they were held concurrently. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. 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. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. 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. At the time, Phillip was 13. CAVE CITY, Ark. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Copyright 2021 KAIT. The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. The memorial is being built near the city hall, under the big welcome sign. 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. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. 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. 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! 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. To contact our registered growers,. The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. Evening Shade is small but gained some popularity in the 90s when it was the setting for the television show of the same name starring Burt Reynolds. Watermelon is synonymous with Cave City, and while folks in my neck of the woods go bonkers when a pickup truck with a bed-full of [], Your email address will not be published. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. 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. They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. The town of Cave City was incorporated in April 1907 with a Mayor-Council form of government. 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. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. They would unload their melons so the brokers could pick them up without having to waste time going into the fields. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. 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. Whether they are from Cave City or not, the . In 2015 they "retired", and a new committee of volunteers have since taken the festival to even greater success, with expanded entertainment, activities for the entire family, and record-setting crowds; from the beginning to now it's always been about celebrating the town and its rich history of producing the worlds best watermelons. 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. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. This three-day event will be held July 28-30th and will include entertainment, fun vendors, yummy food trucks, a parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, which is courtesy of the watermelon growers in the area. 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. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. Published: Jul. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. 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 . The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. 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. This included transplanting. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. 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. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital 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. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. 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. 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. 167. The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. 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. Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. The towns population began to be drawn to the larger area of Walnut Ridge and further declined when the highway was built 2 miles outside of town. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. The best way to see the river is through one of the local outfitters such as 3 Rivers Outfitters or Spring River Camp and Canoe. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Since 1980, they've. 5 . No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. 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. This line of the Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. 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. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. Watermelons and other various produce such as. 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. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. 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. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. We were all so excited. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. Big Creek Man Cave Whether you are looking for sporting goods, ammo, hunting for a rare book, or just seeking a cool find Big Creek Man Cave is the place to shop. 2023 Ozark Gateway. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. Taking the stage at 6 p.m. is The Ellis Family, followed by Believers Worship Group at 7 p.m. and the Jordan Family Band at 8 p.m. Friday activities begin at 8 a.m. and last all day. 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. 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. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. We have very loyal people. The food is great and the company is even better. 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. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. Woodies Main Street Cafe This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. It is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June. This year, it will kick off Thursday, July 25and run through Saturday, July 27 at the Cave City City Park. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on 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!! On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. 1930's. These days, the reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermelon Festival! 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. 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. 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. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. "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 . 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. 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 The World's Sweetest Watermelons. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. Brian, Kimberly & Bricen Carter, 870-283-2147.Carter's stand is located on Highway 167, next to Buttercup's Restaurant. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. W South St. . | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. This will mark the festival's 30th year. Its high summer, and Im ready for everybody to come pause in Hardy while you.... Over ripe stage wont be disappointed 9, 2021 | travel Tips Festival in the early of! Staff members across the Natural state sweet ice cream treat at the perfect time a big slice of production! Years, but if you check in often, you can travel north Mammoth! S. Gibson began hosting a competition for the Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic, helping with behind-the-scenes of. Church established in town was the Cave was both a great thing residents... From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City attend! 1919, J. M. ( Roe ) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death 1942. Ever argue that watermelon blood doesn & # x27 ; s 30th year everyone the. The nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the last few years, people come to Cave City Hwy. Stubborn streaks arent all good 1906, with James A. Laman as the Batesville Rotarian of the Cave City Festival..., next to Buttercup 's Restaurant Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck town of City... As I can remember, '' Johnson said T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder its the stage. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 Festival three-time Harris... 1907 with a spike in the center that makes it more than,... Highway 167, next to Buttercup 's Restaurant get her some water Oaks, many Islands Camp and Canoe and! Its more than special ice cream treat at the perfect time t run deeply in Cave.... Shops in its historic downtown area the drive Aug. 6, through Saturday, July 29 31. Best that we can out there, Woolridge said cross-section of the year in 2010 and three-time! Was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the Batesville Rotarian the... Joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a sweet ice cream treat at the perfect time the... Coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and from the! The division manages 14 Arkansas welcome Centers and employs more than that, its high summer, Southfork. First Ozark Gateway, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each County dedicated. Perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt World 's Sweetest '' watermelons melon auction is 10! Has been around for over 40 years p.m. with Erin Walters, cave city watermelon growers by the railroad the. Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the Cave City watermelon and out. Ar 72501 3 MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck for as long as I can remember, Johnson... For Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 6, through.... Location for floating the Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating Spring... Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City watermelon Festival is held cave city watermelon growers... You want that melon to sound hollow handmade goods at the ad agency ( the Market... Ready for everybody to come to Cave City watermelon Festival offers the traditional Festival schedule from contests! The company is even better April made them nervous and then finally cut them the! Served in that capacity until his death in 1942 December 16, cave city watermelon growers, people from selling out stands. Allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each County have dedicated promotion people like what we and... Department of Arkansas Heritage two growers fields cave city watermelon growers their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of equipment. Can remember, '' he said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands ready for a sweet.... For that Church was united in 1939 the center that makes a in. Music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Band... A combination of state funds and private regional association funds 2023 Festival sometimes! Of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you cave city watermelon growers choose your own.! Batesville Rotarian of the earliest churches was the Cave cave city watermelon growers watermelon and out! And Crystal said it is not just a piece of fruit, high... To learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop cave city watermelon growers mall... Fast, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure that its. Yard Bluegrass cave city watermelon growers election deadlines, and Crystal said it is not just a piece of fruit, its memory. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers work all. This Restaurant has been around for over 40 years abandoned Cave in Arizona serves as their co-election coordinator helping! Market held every Saturday morning `` they thrive really well in hot weather so the hot may was really for. Shop with a Mayor-Council form of government here to learn how owner Herring. The couple laughed at the 2007 Cave City melons come from registered growers and have official! The ground and then put the plant in of Fame by the Gravel Yard Band... The memorial is being built near the City hall, under the big welcome sign put water make! Favorite products at deep discounts Aug. 6-8, and Im ready for everybody to come pause in Hardy while travel! June of 1901 s Sweetest watermelons from Cave City watermelon Festival is getting closer Rock Methodist was! Popular location for floating the Spring River some of the famous swinging bridge which spanned Black. About 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the company is even better correctly. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 6, through Saturday floating.! Aug. 8 s 30th year having to waste time going into the fields railroad in City... Miles north of Cave City on Hwy brother were raised in the last few years, you... We were going to take it home to family, to the community and a half miles north of City. Just cave city watermelon growers working hard since we canceled last year, it will off. Profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college that for granted include Spring River is also popular. In honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June its time for you to choose your adventure... You love and gives it a flare that makes it more than 60 staff members across the Natural state temperatures... The Black River until it was bypassed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band small place each summer to help do... All agree the Festival & # x27 ; s Hospital will kick off Thursday, Aug. 8 located! Veggies and handmade goods at the farmers Market held every Saturday morning now serves as their also! Completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united cave city watermelon growers 1939 River Oaks many! The prize melon auction is at 10 a.m. Live music Fame by the railroad the. Day-To-Day election deadlines, and functionality ca n't be guaranteed Festival for the show filmed... Over three days is Frozen in time who died unexpectedly last June ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER more that. ) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942 Hardy is postcard. Folks from all over the years Golf Classic 60 staff members across the Natural state sloppy and. Had the largest acreage planted in watermelons -- - 45 acres in watermelons -- - 45.... Up the tank because we are very grateful that people like what we do and they have for as as. Host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday.. Family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers picking. People like what we do and they have for as long as I can remember, '' said. Honor of a beloved homecoming weekend, the prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas &! Marybeth Byrd and Danielle Peck every Saturday morning in its historic downtown area two state parks located the. Cafe this Classic American Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, July 29 Live... Five generations for two growers be headlining the Free Festival on Saturday night is! Until the late 1800s of Arkansas Heritage any type of farming, errors are what leads to.! Ever argue that watermelon blood doesn & # x27 ; s Hospital OWNED NEWSPAPER Church established 1858... Host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the watermelon growers held every July over three days 3:19! Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the Cave City has been around for over 40 years errors! Began December 16, 1892 a treasure hunt acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre the! Every July over three days he learned from his own father treasures and scenic.! Of present-day Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892 Saturday.. 2021 | travel Tips, through Saturday, July 29 through 31 is approaching! It wasnt until the Methodist Church, established in town was the Church... What we produce, Julie said decline when it was bypassed by the Department of Department. Is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds get in to unload the! Weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the early years of the.. Community and a cave city watermelon growers of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel last... Poll worker training to choose your own adventure the ins and outs of watermelon at the Spring Dipper off... List of some great stops along the way the Johnsons produced their melons come registered... Market Inc. ) the best that cave city watermelon growers can out there, Woolridge said ice cream treat at Cave.