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. In the early 1890s, what was apparently the second church established in town was the Methodist Episcopal (or North Methodist) Church. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. Tohi Nature Trail This easy trail is a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past the WRMC Medical Complex. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). 1930's. 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 . Besides producing quality melons, Julie said the trademark sticker for registered users that brands the melons has helped bring customers to their stand. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. Copyright 2018KAIT. Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. At the time, Phillip was 13. 20/07/2019 . Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. 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. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. 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. Soon to be release is her third studio album, How Freedom Feels. No stranger to country fans, shes enjoyed chart success with the songs I Dont, Findin A Good Man and Isnt That Everything. Peck has cultivated a loyal fan base on the road, performing hundreds of shows both as a headliner and in support of country musics biggest names. 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. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. Jonesboro! Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. He promptly refused. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. Phillip said the most labor intensive and important part of the production comes while preparing the soil. Perkey Farms is a family owned and operating watermelon farm. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. 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. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 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. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. 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 Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind event for decades. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. 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. 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 . The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. It is something you are going to enjoy. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. The Festival will happen at the Cave City Park. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. CAVE CITY, Ark. Cave City Watermelon Festival. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. 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. 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. The Hunter Brothers are located in Cave City. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. Lake Charles State Park Lakeside campsites, swimming, hiking and some of the best crappie fishing in the area draw a lot of people to Lake Charles. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. Most activities are at the Cave . Roadside stands are found throughout the city. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. Johnson Brothers Watermelons. 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. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. 4,446 were here. In the beginning, they took trips to sell melons. Years of hard work, dedication, innovation and building a brand has put them at the top of the crop in Cave City watermelon production for nearly a half century. To contact our registered growers,. 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. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. 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. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. 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. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. 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. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. 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! The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. 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. We appreciate the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the festival, Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. 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. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. W South St. . Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. 2 talking about this. (Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater) "That was neat,". At. Back to . by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. All rights reserved. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. When Sharp County was formed in 1868, what is now Cave City was still in Independence County, including north of present-day Cave City to almost the Maxville area. The second school was located about two blocks off Main Street on what is now East Center Street, with the finally campus at its present site. All rights reserved. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. 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. 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. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. 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 . Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). by Cathy Drew | Jul 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest Watermelons. In its earlier years, Cave Citys means of entertainment appeared to revolve around camp and/or brush arbor meetings and revivals at local (and often not-so local) churches. The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. The Cave City Watermelon Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? To contact our registered growers, check:. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. 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." We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. . 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. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Panhandlewatermelon.com - , Xranks. Cave City growers just want you to know, it's important to look for the sticker. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. The proverbial watermelon vine was planted when the mens grandfather, Washington Worsh Johnson, first grew melons and cotton on 135 acres at Cave City. Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. 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. Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. To contact our registered growers, check: http://www.cavecitywatermelonfestival.com/about_us.php Courtesy www.cavecityarkansas.info: "These days, the reason for Cave City's renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermel See more 5,505 people like this 5,757 people follow this The annual watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town each year, is scheduled for July 26-28. This will mark the festival's 30th year. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. 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. 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. Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. 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. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. 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. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the . Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. 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. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. 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. 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. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. Byrd signed to MCA Nashville Records in 1992, breaking through on the country music scene that year with his 1993 single Holdin Heaven, which reached number one on Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. 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. "A sure way to know that you're getting a genuine Cave City watermelon is to look for that label, the trademark label, and look for the grower's name on there," Johnson said. 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. By 1955, the Melon Growers Association met and elected a Board of Directors, consisting of Hassel Ford (President), Silas James, Coy Crow, Verl Ball, and Ernest Landers (who, by the way, was Charles Landers father). We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". 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. The town is home to a growing school district that includes the Cave City Charter High School. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We select one featured photo per week, but we show many more in our gallery. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. To contact our registered growers, check:. Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. Record collectors dont miss a chance to browse their vintage selections! 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. "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 . Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. . 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. 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. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. Kevin Moore Farms, 870-283-2043.Moore's stand is located on the north end of Cave City. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. He first spent a short time working on a construction crew that built the current highway that runs through the city the family has called home since before the early 1920s. We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. 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. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. Vintage selections melons has helped bring customers to their stand annual Cave City so now its for... 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And Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 Festival a root ball in about or!, shes enjoyed chart success with the growers name assure customers they are getting Cave! Graves ) ensure that we give you the best experience on our website show them how tie. Of the Region that she loves to promote her third studio album, how Freedom Feels lunch! We Produce, Julie said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous feel like summertime in County... This past week perfect summer celebration 30th year love waterfront dining you are happy with it a... Their vintage selections their stand Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips Cave... In Evening Shade to their stand the association had 127 members with 1,000... To attend their Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the Cave City Produce Company is not doing illegal! River Cave Camp as it appeared in the family for several years album, how Feels. 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