Most dont realize just how far back the watermelon tradition goes, even predating the 1938 establishment of a growers association and the 1980 creation of the Cave City Watermelon Festival, first as a one day event. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. 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. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. So much so that Cave Citys watermelons are celebrated each year at the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival Celebrating its 42ndyear, the 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. 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. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. It is something you are going to enjoy. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. 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. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. "Business is very . The Johnsons invite the public to enjoy the fruits of their harvest, arriving at their stand this week. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. Copyright 2021 KAIT. 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. Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. 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 City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. (Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater) "That was neat,". If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The town of Cave City was incorporated in April 1907 with a Mayor-Council form of government. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. "Usually we start setting the first plants somewhere along about the middle of April and that's when we were getting some real cold weather, so we were delayed a little bit in getting the first plants set out," Johnson said. It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. Before implementing irrigation, Phillip explained, We spent lots of quality time with that garden hoe. He admitted he was very picky about how it was done. Woodies Main Street Cafe This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. 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. Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. All rights reserved. There is also a thriving art and music scene. I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. "We thought that we were going to be really late. At. 4,446 were here. Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. 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." (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. 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. 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. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. 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. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. Thankfully for the organizers of the wildly popular Windy City Smokeout, fans of barbecue and fans of country music are often one in the same. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. Flickr/kitchener.lord. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. 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. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. Required fields are marked *. The fun filled event is packed full of live music, great food, old friends, and of course, WATERMELON! Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next spring. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Kevin Moore Farms, 870-283-2043.Moore's stand is located on the north end of Cave City. They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. They were beautiful hot plants. 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. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs. There were days when the brokers would buy them and we would load five or six trailer loads that would go out to Chicago and lots of other places. Gary explained. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. 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. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. 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. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. 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.] . They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. 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). Its a big deal.. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. CAVE CITY Cave City bills itself as having the "world's sweetest watermelons." 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