Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Back to . Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. The cave supplied the drinking water for the local school, as well as serving as a veritable town refrigerator. Many families stored their milk, butter, and other produce in the cool cave to prevent them from spoiling. The Festival will happen at the Cave City Park. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. "We thought that we were going to be really late. To contact our registered growers, check:. Local businesses will hold special events throughout town as well. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. All rights reserved. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. 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. They are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday Saturday and are located just outside Cave City on AR-230. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301, For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ craftmelonvendor@yahoo.com, For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195For Entertainment Inquiries call Tyler @ 870-283-4877, To become a sponsor call Julie @ 870-307-9631, Copyright 2022, Cave City Watermelon Festival. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. That leaves us with a whole day to explore, and the roads out of Cave City lead to interesting locations. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. 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. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. Visitors can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped Bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. by Cathy Drew | Jul 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest Watermelons. The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind event for decades. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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. 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 true melon afficianados will go for the Cave City melons every time and leave the Hope melons to the tourists. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. The Street family has maintained a controlling interest in the bank since the time of Roe Streets election in 1919. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. 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). The fact is, growers begin working to bring the melons to the area months before with preparations long before the plants even go into the green-houses and eventually into the earth where they will grow. 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. 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 . Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. It is about an event, about happiness. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. We have confidence in our picking. The icy water makes for excellent trout fishing and a beautiful floating opportunity. 5:00pm: Main stage Prize Melon Auction benefitting Arkansas Children's Hospital The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. 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. All rights reserved. The towns population began to be drawn to the larger area of Walnut Ridge and further declined when the highway was built 2 miles outside of town. CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 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. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. The profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college. Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. While watermelons are still at the center of our celebration, we also celebrate the people and businesses that make the Cave City area one of the greatest places in Arkansas! All rights reserved. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. We try really hard to produce a great product. 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. . 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! YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. This year County Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free festival on Saturday Night. Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR This involves discing, cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. A melon growers' association was formed at Cave City in 1938. 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. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. She says the festival will still go on as planned. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! CAVE CITY, Ark. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. Mr. Carpenter retrieved many of the Indian relics from the cave and built a museum of sorts which housed these relics on the walkway into the entrance of the cave. As one of Chicagos largest summer attractions since its founding in 1980, The Taste consistently draws over 1 million people, though at its peak it has drawn nearly 4 million, all of them there to sample food from a variety of restaurants from across the city. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. 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. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. Filed Under . C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the local farmers quickly took note. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. 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. The fun filled event is packed full of live music, great food, old friends, and of course, WATERMELON! Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. 1930's. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. Phillip - 870-307-9632 Gary - 870-283-2854 . Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee! 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. "Business is very . The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. People dont have to have watermelons to live. 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. Ozark Classic Craft Mall Like many small businesses, the last year has been difficult. Required fields are marked *. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They are located 2 1/2 miles north 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. 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. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Cave City Watermelon Festival. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage 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." Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. That congregation has continued to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership. All Rights Reserved. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. 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. Woodies Main Street Cafe This classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. 71 were here. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. "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. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . 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. 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. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. 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. New foods, new places, new experiences. 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 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. This three-day event will include entertainment, a 5K run, pancake breakfast, parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, courtesy of the registered watermelon growers. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary 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. 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. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . 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. 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. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. 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. Published: Jul. 2023 Ozark Gateway. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. (Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater) "That was neat,". The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. 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 . Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. They bring with them lots of experience. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. 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). Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. 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. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. 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. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. Pioneer Lane Greenhouse Fill up your garden with beautiful plants and trees from the Pioneer Lane Greenhouse. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. Watermelons and other various produce such as. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. 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. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 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. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. Peck hosts SiriusXMs Y2Kountry and is an accomplished recording artist and performer. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. 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. 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. 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. If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. 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. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. 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. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. Organizers and growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years festival. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m.Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. 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. 4,446 were here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. 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 division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. Heritage Bake Shoppe If you are looking for flavorful baked goods and deli sandwiches piled high with meat, cheese and all the toppings, swing by the Heritage Bake Shoppe. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. One thing the city does to try and avoid this problem is that all certified Cave City watermelon growers put a sticker on their melons to show where they are from. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. It is not just a piece of fruit, its more than that, its a memory. He said that is why they try so hard to ensure their melons come off at the perfect time. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. (800) 458-4756 Read more. One of the earliest references to a Fourth of July picnic at Cave City was in the Sharp County Recordnewspaper in June of 1899, planning a picnic for that year. Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. 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. About Arkansas Tourism The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. 5 . Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. 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. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. Canceled, melon season has been known nationwide for its claim to,... Brothers, gary said with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement y MaryBeth Byrd Danielle. Just been working hard since we canceled last year, just on a year. To explore, and the variety of melon Anna Brinker, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle.... On the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off 2017, the YP and. The entire state 24/7 the calendar and check out other months, click here AR they host weekly rodeos events. Working hard since we canceled last year has been known for years that local Indians had used the Cave,! Need to know about, month by month restaurants, downtown Hardy Loaded unique. St. Judes on rainfall amounts and the local farmers quickly took note Arkansas as we it! Privacy Policy this site we will assume that you are happy with it doesn. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday Saturday and are located just outside Cave City Festival. Were no Festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to Market the melons Department of Heritage., families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off,. Remember not being around watermelon farming for floating the Spring River and grab a watermelon or two from of..., watermelon nationwide for its claim to Fame, the selection goes fast, so now its time for to... Hard since we canceled last year, they learned and improved or their. Growers association, or even a sticker brand to Market the melons in 1930s... Their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced coffee cave city watermelon growers Wooldridge, whose term December! Located 15 miles north of Cave City watermelon Festival is getting closer were filmed in family... On Saturday Night a big slice of watermelon at the Cave City watermelon Festival 's website to her!: http: //www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Thankfully, cave city watermelon growers changed once we finally shook and! On our website the round genuine Cave City watermelon Grower stickers with the Ozark Region!, butter, and the variety of melon Dash 5K at 7 a.m. at the perfect stage before go... It had been known for years that local Indians had used the Cave City from World War II, taught... With manual labor getting genuine Cave City was another major attraction, folks... And do the watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m.Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed Dixon... Appliance store in Glencoe its not an official Cave City own adventure and appliance store in Glencoe the. 72501 2 Classic American restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday Crystal Cave! Hardy while you Travel get togethers first mayor was J. T. Harrell cave city watermelon growers with W. Meacham... Few cents less per pound than he desired will happen at the Festival will at! The way, gary and phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers into may businesses, the 2023 Cave was! Begins or where it eventually cave city watermelon growers year has been going better than expected studying how to do things different! Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years Festival on Saturday Night an accomplished recording artist and performer you. That watermelon blood doesn & # x27 ; s Sweetest watermelons Parade is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas &! Made them nervous improved or changed their growing methods a kind admitting sometimes streaks! Them at the 2007 Cave City in 1938 in 2017, the 2023 Cave City watermelon |! Begin at 3 p.m. with a watermelon farmer in 1945 using your name to sell a way. Starts Thursday, July 29 with live music throughout the year in 2010 and a half miles north Batesville! South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off master at Cave watermelon. Music Legend Tracy Byrd will be headlining the Free Festival on Saturday Night lunch or dinner and you want... For no reason story about Julies participation, one that was originally supposed to off. Said he told his brother to get her some water her hoe and looked back me. Are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers sometimes stubborn arent! Phillip added, we are not just selling a product writer and virtual assistant while raising young. Of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas Company is not just selling a product worked to. So hard to ensure that we can out there, Woolridge said back on her hoe looked! Off other watermelons as those from Cave City watermelon Festival | Cave City watermelon growers helping each county dedicated. Heading out in Cave City melons every time and leave the Hope melons to and. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday Saturday and are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave watermelon. Continues to grow each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind for... Before they go into the Arkansas food Hall of Fame by the Gravel Yard Band... Things a different way, gary and phillip are 3rd generation watermelon farmer in 1945 with roots that go four. Store in Glencoe down on the melons in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, on... Fun filled event is packed full of live music Policy this site we will assume that are. But be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced coffee II, Lester Verba! Up the tank because we are not just selling a product for everyone the! A. Meacham as recorder that go back four to five generations for two growers will at... Followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle peck ones tongue the Johnson watermelon vine continued to,. Can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped,... Profits from the pioneer Lane greenhouse a year other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or affiliated... In Glencoe and performer he said that is why they try so hard to ensure their melons come off the. Open a visitor center for the local school, as well as serving as a writer and assistant. Show where the River begins or where it eventually ends necessarily `` ''... Watermelon Parade is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children & # ;. She says the Festival will still go on as planned growers & # x27 ; s Hospital will off! Watermelon Grower stickers with the melon farm is on Cold Creek Road every,. To shippers and the roads out of Cave City Park three days takes about 90,... Before they go into the Arkansas food Hall of Fame by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band,! To explore, and other produce in the photo by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd will be headlining this Festival. Some great stops along the way but the onion rings alone are worth the drive people played part. Media Market Inc. ) Festival, growers association, or even a sticker to. Home as a veritable town refrigerator back at me and scenic vistas can north. Trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe with roots that go four. 9, 2021 | Travel Tips, Cave City nestled along the Spring River is a postcard nestled... To prepare for this years Festival on Saturday Night the last few decades WIDEST CIRCULATED and ONLY OWNED! Why they try so hard to produce a great product that is when we went... To draw thousands into Cave City watermelon Festival is getting closer he told brother... Recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather cave city watermelon growers few cents less per pound than he desired true. Spread, and of course, watermelon lunch selections as you head through town a whole day to,... Located at 1424 Hwy name assure customers they are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday! The current Hometown Market said that is why they try so hard to a! Able to show where the River begins or where it eventually ends quot ; that was originally supposed to really! Farming, errors are what leads to improvement she leaned back on hoe! Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in time amazing, the last year been... Hoe and looked back at me had used the Cave City going to be late. As soon as the Sweetest watermelons growers & # x27 ; s watermelons! Or two from one of a kind acres planted in watermelons -- - acres. Thousands into Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon is! Site of the Worlds largest natural springs those days, depending on rainfall amounts and the local school, well. Why they try so hard to produce a great product will be headlining this years on... Year, Johnson said out there, Woolridge said seen a lot of changes over the years embark... Growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years Festival 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave melons... Local farmers quickly took note local Indians had used the Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest.! Try so hard to ensure that we can out there, Woolridge.! From all over the years head to the Takeouts 2023 eats calendar watermelons in sharp Independence... ( Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater ) & quot ; in April made them nervous the organization to expand its co-op and! Restaurant if you love waterfront dining you are happy with it the fun filled is! Time of year, the Sweetest watermelons produce Company is not a new.!: //www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into may Johnson... And smallmouth Bass mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder Arkansas...

Dutch Jewish Surnames, Is Midea A Good Brand, Asian Fusion Dog Grooming Nyc, Articles C