cave city watermelon growers

Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. 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. 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. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. 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. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. The Festival will happen at the Cave City Park. All rights reserved. 167 North of Cave City. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. Panhandlewatermelon.com - , Xranks. 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. 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. The melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. Your email address will not be published. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. We have confidence in our picking. 2 personas estn hablando de esto. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. He promptly refused. Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. 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. 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 Cave City Watermelon Festival will take place July 26-28 at the Cave City city park. Where's this story? Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. CAVE CITY, AR (KAIT) - It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. Brothers Jonathan and Justin Hunter are the newest and youngest registered Cave City Watermelon Growers. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. 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 CAVE CITY, AR (KAIT) - It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. 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. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. 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. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. 2 talking about this. The true melon afficianados will go for the Cave City melons every time and leave the Hope melons to the tourists. Record collectors dont miss a chance to browse their vintage selections! Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. 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 . To contact our registered growers, check:. 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. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. 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. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. J.W. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. While contestants are toting in their entries for the Prize Melon competition at the park, the White River Family Fun "Wet Zone" with waterslides starts at 6 p.m. and goes until dark in the softball field. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. 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! Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. . From July 13-16, pitmasters will provide various styles of mouthwatering barbecue to be enjoyed alongside performances by big names in country music (Zac Brown Band and Darius Rucker among them). They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. "We thought that we were going to be really late. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. They were beautiful hot plants. & Wendell Perkey Farms 870-283-4395, 870-283-5918.Located 2 miles north of Cave City on Highway 167. 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. Among the growers, are one family who are in their third generation of production of the luscious fruit of summer. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. 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. 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. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. Most recognize Gary and Phillip as the Watermelon Men, but in reality, Johnsons melon production began long before the two men were even a thought. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. Real, authentic Cave City melons come from registered growers and have an official sticker on them. Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. They were sold to brokers, simply by word of mouth, and transported across the nation. 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. Renees Cafe This down-home country restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out. It is about an event, about happiness. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. 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! The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. The Cave City Watermelon Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching. The fun filled event is packed full of live music, great food, old friends, and of course, WATERMELON! 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. 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. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. Welcome home! The Johnsons reputation is based on the sweetness and perfection of their melons and they dont want to put the responsibility of cutting them off the vine on anyone else. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. It hasnt always been easy. Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. It will include games, auctions, seed spitting contests, free watermelon feasts, a family wet zone park, and live entertainment, including headliner Tracy Byrd. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. The park includes the Courthouse which was constructed in 1888 after the original courthouse burned down along with several historic structures. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. Perkey Farms is a family owned and operating watermelon farm. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. The town of Cave City was started around 1890 when two brothers, James Andrew (Jim) and John William (Jack) Laman, moved to the present site of Cave City. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. Flickr/kitchener.lord. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. 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 prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. Its the perfect country supply store. 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. Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. At the time, Phillip was 13. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Visit www.ozarkgateway.com for more area information. All rights reserved. locate One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. 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. 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. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. That is a big deal to us. Phillip went on to explain that in the early days it was hard to sell a watermelon. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. Copyright 2018KAIT. It is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June. W South St. . County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. Saturday, Jul 30, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. Cave City Park. Over the years, small communities and churches sprang up in this area of Sharp and Independence counties, many of which established their own post offices and schools. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. 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. The food is great and the company is even better. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. 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. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . The event has shrunk from 10 days down to just three this year (July 7-9), but thats plenty of time to eat your fill of local food. 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. The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. 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