Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. The Hunter Brothers are located in Cave City. Copyright 2018KAIT. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. 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. He said, I will let them sit there and rot before I take that. Phillip laughed, recalling the story, And thats exactly what happened. Their grandmothers family also grew melons and peddled them door to door after hauling them by wagon to Batesville. The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. Far Out & Funky This fun antique store wears its name well! Each year as soon as they arrive with the first loads, their parking lot is flooded with customers before the melons can even be weighed and stickered. It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. 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. Ruthel Laman Heasley, a granddaughter of Jim Laman, stated that her grandfather and his brother were determined to create a new town when they moved their families there in 1889. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. The Johnsons invite the public to enjoy the fruits of their harvest, arriving at their stand this week. As far back as 1938 a Melon Growers Association for Sharp and Independence counties was organized at Cave City, with the following officers elected: President, Fred Anderson; Vice-President, Wilburn Jackson; Secretary, Marvin Bull; and Treasurer, Orville Girtman. You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. About Arkansas Tourism Cave City's activities in producing watermelons reach as far back as 1938, when a Melon Grower's Association for Sharp and Independence counties was organized at Cave City . It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. Your email address will not be published. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. "Business is very . On an extremely hot day, one Julie described as the seventh circle of hell, the couple were working in the field after cultivating the rows spaced ten feet apart with a tractor. 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 the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. From July 27-29 in Cave City, Arkansas, youll 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. They would unload their melons so the brokers could pick them up without having to waste time going into the fields. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. Over the years, various attempts have been made to explore the cave and to determine the origins of the Crystal River which flows under the town of Cave City. Julie loves adventure. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. 71 were here. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195 You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. 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. Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. We have very loyal people. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. Record collectors dont miss a chance to browse their vintage selections! Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. The true melon afficianados will go for the Cave City melons every time and leave the Hope melons to the tourists. 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. 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 agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. So I prefer to go right to the source. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. . As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. Cave City bills itself as having the worlds sweetest watermelons. Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed full of fun and entertainment for the entire family.Activities include a children's fishing derby, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfast, parade, school alumni reunion, speed eating contest, seed . When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. 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." At. 20/07/2019 . Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. From left, Tyler Parsley, Cederic Etheridge, Jonathan Fowler and Julie Johnson, members of the Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee, stand by some of the melons they will be celebrating July 27-29. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! 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. 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. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. "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 . Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. The SRC recently spent an evening with Gary and Phillip Johnson and their wives, Becky and Julie, who have been with them every step of the way. Brian, Kimberly & Bricen Carter, 870-283-2147.Carter's stand is located on Highway 167, next to Buttercup's Restaurant. We may earn a commission from links on this page. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. This meant a garden hoe. "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. So many interesting treasures are held within these walls. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. The Cave City Watermelon Festival, on which Julie serves with a committee since 2015, will be held at the Cave City Park July 28-30. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. One of the most favorite and anticipated of these camp meetings was the holiness camp meeting held every year at Calamine by ministers of the Nazarene Church. 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. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. All Rights Reserved. There are several outfitters in the area that will provide gear and shuttle service so you can enjoy a fun day in the cool waters of the Spring River. 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! Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. To contact our registered growers,. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. 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 First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. 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. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. 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. We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. But, in reality, it was a pivotal moment when, for the sake of their marriage, they were forced to realize they had to find a better way to cultivate near the plants. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. "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?'". Phillip said the most labor intensive and important part of the production comes while preparing the soil. 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. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. 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. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. Most activities are at the Cave . 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. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. Johnson Brothers Watermelons | Cave City AR 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. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Its a big deal.. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! All rights reserved. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. 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. The festival struck Gold, outshining all the other entries in the Best Video Promotion (Budget under $100,000) division. 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. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. 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. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. Published: Jul. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. The annual watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town each year, is scheduled for July 26-28. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the . 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. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. 1930's. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. 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. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. The Cave City Watermelon Festival will take place July 26-28 at the Cave City city park. She says the festival will still go on as planned. 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. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. Up until that point they had only planted seeds directly in the field. This and resellers marking the melons up to make so large of profit that the cost of their fruit is much higher than the Johnsons melons at their stand. Other students moved into town and boarded with family, friends, or in boarding houses which were made available to entice more students to the school. In August of 1958, Burnis Brown was the manager of the Cave City Watermelon Growers Association, which consisted of 127 members with 1,000 acres planted in watermelons. 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.] Its part of The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the years best events. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. 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. 2 personas estn hablando de esto. 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. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. This will mark the festival's 30th year. 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. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. 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. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. Main Street looking South. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. michigan department of corrections warden salary, arkansas drug bust 2020, Go into the over ripe stage annual Cave City watermelon Festival is sure delight... The food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than staff...,.Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he away... Travel Tips played a part in creating Arkansas as we know some will argue Hope..., which draws thousands to the Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the registered trademark.., click here tabloid publication and have been doing it ever since, Gary.... 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