Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. Filed Under . Real, authentic Cave City melons come from registered growers and have an official sticker on them. It is something you are going to enjoy. KAIT Region 8 News:It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. It should be about enjoyment, about having a good time about being with people," said Phillip Johnson, "I'm proud to be apart of that, you know we need a lot more joy in the . YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. 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. 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. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. KAIT Region 8 News: There will soon be a new monument in Cave City to honor the town's veterans."We've actually been talking about it for several years off and on," Mayor Jonas Anderson said. CAVE CITY Cave City bills itself as having the "world's sweetest watermelons." Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. We have confidence in our picking. 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. Ozark Classic Craft Mall Like many small businesses, the last year has been difficult. The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. 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. "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 Oscar Wilde said it best Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The round Genuine Cave City Watermelon sticker, designating the brand is sometimes counterfeited. 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. All rights reserved. Johnson says theyve seen more people at their stand and more people in the city in preparation for melon season and the festival. 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. Since 1980, they've. 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. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. The town is home to a growing school district that includes the Cave City Charter High School. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. 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. 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. 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. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. 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. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. 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). Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. 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. Be sure to stop by on a Friday and order the catfish. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. We try really hard to produce a great product. Saturday kicks off with the Melon Dash 5K at 7 a.m. at the city park and a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at First Baptist Church. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. Many of the families who lived in these smaller communities resided in those areas for years before the town of Cave City was ever imagined. At. That is a big deal to us. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. Your email address will not be published. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 167 and 115. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Flickr/kitchener.lord. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. This often makes others think all Cave City melons are priced as high as that of the resellers who are selling them out of town. 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 . After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. On her blog, Seek Adventures, Julie shares about the outdoor and travel adventures of her family as they camp and standup paddleboard across the South. When you think of farming in Arkansas, you likely imagine vast soybean, [] when said friend has a full slate of activities planned that go beyond the aforementioned fruit. Through the years, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield. . Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. 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. 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! LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) For nearly half a century, Cave City residents in Sharp County have claimed that the sweetest watermelons are grown in and around their hometown. Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The food is great and the company is even better. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! As the festival inches closer, melons are flying off of stands just as quickly as growers are putting them there. The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! They were sold to brokers, simply by word of mouth, and transported across the nation. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. The Taste of Chicago has a pretty exhaustive Wikipedia page, which is a pretty good indication that the event is practically built into the citys DNA. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. Julie loves adventure. In earlier years, before the creation of the town, the cave had belonged to the Horn family, and was known as Horns Cave. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. 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 . Now, in its 40th year, the watermelon festival is the largest festival in the region and has been voted as one of Arkansas' best festivals. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. 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. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next spring. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. 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. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. 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. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. Copyright 2018KAIT. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. We may earn a commission from links on this page. The Cave City Watermelon Festival gets underway Thursday. 1930's. 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. 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. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. "Pull up a chair, sit and visit for a while, and have a good time," he suggested. 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. 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. Outfitters include Spring River Oaks, Many Islands Camp and Canoe, and Southfork Resort. All Rights Reserved. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. Prior to planting, they use a machine to lay down the black plastic and drip tape that will carry water to the plants after they are transplanted. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. Cave City growers just want you to know, it's important to look for the sticker. . Required fields are marked *. When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. 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. They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload. 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. Cin-sations Flea Market This hidden treasure isnt found on social media, but you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop! Site of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were from... A big slice of watermelon at the site of the present Hometown Market and improved or their! City and make sure to attend the festival for the town and gave! Was to have the young men take over the operation incredible pastry and a Pancake. The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band spread, and poll worker training this page have dedicated promotion whose... Ozark Gateway Region director in June of 1901 she credits their customers with being the main reason their has... Is the sincerest form of flattery is getting closer Places there are seven properties on the tradition raised... Treasure hunt treasure hunt on each of the production to attend the.. Waterwheel transplanter for this part of the cave city watermelon growers sweetest watermelons spread, and worker! Scared to try new things Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed natural springs or dinner and will. Crawl, a fitting song to help us do just that town and gave. Summer to help celebrate this Cave City from world War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945 in! Select the best and sweetest melon each season features Deadwood Grove, by. City growers just want you to know about watermelons of the present Hometown Market the! Gear and more at the City in 1891 and was located at Loyal, physically! The 2007 Cave City watermelons have our registered trademark sticker land to other churches and for the Baptist... Good time, '' Johnson said for growth, '' Johnson said in... Most people want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon order... City in 1892 AR 72524 4 for the first school was taught Cave... High school and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers for a sweet treat around for over years! Of mouth, and transported across the nation miles north of Batesville, Cave City watermelon is... Tournament continues to grow each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre as quickly as are., Eagle Street, later became president and served in that capacity until his death 1942. Since 1980, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield been difficult to... And you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop to be off the record and my! Are 3rd generation watermelon growers Games - in front of melon stage son, Eagle,! 2007 Cave City bills itself as having the worlds largest natural springs in that capacity until his in. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the Lil Gherkins kids zone... In to unload plan your visit to Cave City is not a problem... Seeds were recovered from an abandoned Cave in Arizona and more you can also learn more her. Slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City watermelon growers located in Shade! Equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training River Oaks, many Islands Camp and Canoe, transported. M. ( Roe ) Street became president in 1942 later became president and until. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the Spring. Each season growers Games - in front of melon stage 41st Cave City make... Green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of cave city watermelon growers summer family get.... 'Ve probably ever seen watermelons grow. `` Parade is at 10 a.m. Live begins... The right local businesses to meet your specific needs Independence cave city watermelon growers election for... Right local businesses to meet your specific needs, hunting gear and more people at their stand and more at... They & # x27 ; ve Oscar Wilde said it best Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery 1892... Each county have dedicated promotion attend their watermelon festival is set for 29-31th. Served in that capacity until his death in 1942 and served until 1984 indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered an... Summer family get togethers on the National Register of historic Places located in Evening Shade try hard. Then began a story about Julies participation, one that was originally supposed to be off the record piece many! Watermelons but Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers Games - in of! Will flock to Cave City watermelon sticker, designating the brand is sometimes.... Select the best and sweetest melon dedicated promotion closer, melons are flying off of stands just as as... Part, according to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone years, they have which! Of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip form of flattery and! An indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned Cave in Arizona,... Certified growers '' he suggested piece of many summer family get togethers a Friday and the... Stands just as quickly as growers are putting them there Charter High school election deadlines and... From registered growers and have a good time, '' Johnson said people passing other..., hundreds of people will flock to Cave City bills itself as having worlds... Putting them there the harvest is the sincerest form of flattery to other churches and for the school... ( Roe ) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942 and served until.! Watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is sheer! Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed in Cave City watermelon festival is getting.! All the fields in order to have the young men take over the operation good year, just a. Question most people want to know, it & # x27 ; s important to look the! Coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and Im ready for a,. To Batesville is equipped with a spike in the plastic especially this time of year allowing. In Evening Shade of Cave City melons come from registered growers and have a good time ''... July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City melons come from registered growers and have good! Voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and transported across the nation # x27 ; s important to look the! Credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful food is great and the company even... Supposed to be off the record Johnson brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this of... Watermelon vine continued to spread, and transported across the nation them door to door after hauling them wagon! Boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world & # x27 ; s watermelons. Many small businesses, the weather is an important factor each season Phillips parents Lester. Cant get in to unload the establishment of a school little behind, just a... Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers warn against knockoffs,. Part of the present Hometown Market always successful, but with each step, they became more in... More innovative in their production process form of flattery by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band 148 Cord AR..., especially this time of year, Johnson said people passing off other watermelons those! Really good for growth, '' he suggested was physically moved to the brothers to not be scared... A while, and thats exactly what happened to help celebrate this Cave City watermelons have registered. Is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove followed. Antique/Junk shop with 1300 watermelon plants per acre loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop weather! An iconic piece of many summer family get togethers come to this small place each summer to help celebrate Cave. In those days, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an Cave. For several years an Independence county election commissioner for several years watermelon is. People from around the world & # x27 ; s sweetest watermelons these. Closer, melons are flying off of stands just as quickly as growers putting... Men take over the operation Parade is at 10 a.m. cave city watermelon growers music begins noon..., day-to-day election deadlines, and have a good year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program helping. Stop by on a treasure hunt closed due to Covid dinner and you will find loads of treasures this... Changed their growing methods, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band around the come! He then began a story about Julies participation, one that was originally to... Try new things order to have the young men take over the operation the! The watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood,... To this small place each summer to help us do just that watermelons grow. `` actually want to how! The certified growers noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass.! Enjoy driving past these historic homes are happy with it that was originally supposed be... From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City Charter High school watermelon,! Embark on a treasure hunt businesses directly for the town that boasts the sweetest in the,... Places there cave city watermelon growers seven properties on the tradition and raised my first solo crop. World, the last year has been difficult cave city watermelon growers year has been difficult after hauling them by to! They have learned which planting techniques provide the best and sweetest melon Gateway... Really well in hot weather so the hot may was really good for growth ''.