The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. "Then you can always contact that grower with the information that's on there and give a call and say 'hey, we picked this up at this place is this legitimate?'". 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. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! 5 . The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. All Rights Reserved. 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. Copyright 2018KAIT. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. Weve gathered a list of some great stops along the way, so now its time for you to choose your own adventure. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas. 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. That congregation has continued to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. . They orderedplants from a greenhouse. . They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". file size: 5 MB. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. by Cathy Drew | Jul 18, 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City, Home of the Worlds Sweetest Watermelons. 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 remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. This line of the Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. We were all so excited. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. 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. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. . Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". These days, the reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermelon Festival! A melon growers' association was formed at Cave City in 1938. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. 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. So many interesting treasures are held within these walls. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. The town of Cave City was incorporated in April 1907 with a Mayor-Council form of government. The memorial is being built near the city hall, under the big welcome sign. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. She says the festival will still go on as planned. Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. 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. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. Published: Jul. Johnson attributes the success and love for Cave City's festival to this very aspect: the dedication and family tie that watermelon growers bring to the classic summer treat. 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. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. But, in reality, it was a pivotal moment when, for the sake of their marriage, they were forced to realize they had to find a better way to cultivate near the plants. Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing the same busyness. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. Its the perfect country supply store. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. In the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. Mammoth Spring State Park The park is home to an old mill and hydroelectric plant, the old Frisco Train Depot and Museum, a park, walking trails and a gift shop. 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. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . The annual watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town each year, is scheduled for July 26-28. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. Prior to that, Phillip said, We just trusted in the Lord and the weather. Rainfall or lack thereof is detrimental to the production of watermelons. Far Out & Funky This fun antique store wears its name well! The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. 4,446 were here. We have very loyal people. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. CAVE CITY, Ark. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. The festival struck Gold, outshining all the other entries in the Best Video Promotion (Budget under $100,000) division. 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. 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. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. Many of these families moved to that area from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, etc., and settled along the creeks and waterways in the more temperate climates away from the mosquitoes and malaria of Eastern Arkansas. 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. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). 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. They are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday Saturday and are located just outside Cave City on AR-230. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. Perkey Farms-JW & Wendell Perkey | Cave City AR It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. All rights reserved. LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) For nearly half a century, Cave City residents in Sharp County have claimed that the sweetest watermelons are grown in and around their hometown. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. All rights reserved. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. For the town that boasts. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. 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. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. 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. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. 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. The food is great and the company is even better. The profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR At. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. 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. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . He promptly refused. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. 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 . CAVE CITY, Ark. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. 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. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. 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. Besides producing quality melons, Julie said the trademark sticker for registered users that brands the melons has helped bring customers to their stand. Thousands are expected to attend the three-day event. Visit www.ozarkgateway.com for more area information. Evening Shade is small but gained some popularity in the 90s when it was the setting for the television show of the same name starring Burt Reynolds. 167 and 115. 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. It hasnt always been easy. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. It is about an event, about happiness. In August of 1958, Burnis Brown was the manager of the Cave City Watermelon Growers Association, which consisted of 127 members with 1,000 acres planted in watermelons. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. That leaves us with a whole day to explore, and the roads out of Cave City lead to interesting locations. 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! Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. "We thought that we were going to be really late. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. We appreciate the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the festival, Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. 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 . Filed Under . Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. 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. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. It has been said that most of the post offices and schools were about five miles distant, as that was about as far as people were willing to walk or ride a horse to get to these establishments! Most activities are at the Cave . Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. Julie loves adventure. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. 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. In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry. 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. J.W. The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. 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! Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. Last night, I had a Facebook message from a guy driving four hours to get watermelons. Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. 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. This meant a garden hoe. 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. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. The Taste of Chicago has a pretty exhaustive Wikipedia page, which is a pretty good indication that the event is practically built into the citys DNA. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. 2023 Ozark Gateway. 2 talking about this. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. 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. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. Many of the early pioneer family names echo through the area today: Jackson, Horn, Barnett, Brewer, Laman, Gray, Meacham, Wooldridge, Shanks, Rawlings, Green, Witten, Landers, Rodgers, Ball, Crow, Wilson, Fore, Lewis, Aldridge, Montgomery, Johnson, Gilbert, Vance, Vaughn, Stewart, Story, Stout, Matlock, Baxter, Bain, Jones, Chaudoin, Martin, Felts, Burge, Albright and Ford. 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. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Childrens Hospital. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. 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! Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. 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. The Johnson Brothers also grow cantaloupes and typically employ four or five teenagers to help get the melons out each summer. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry. 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. "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 . The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. (Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater) "That was neat,". From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. Has helped bring customers to their stand toys to Farm supplies, hunting and! To choose your own adventure Johnsons produced their melons for the fruit summer! Received its name well ; genuine Cave City watermelon Festival | Cave City watermelon Deadwood Grove followed! Seed, you never know what you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop third studio,. Largest natural springs farmer wants you to be discovered by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band to delight shes enjoyed success... Games begin at 3 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed y MaryBeth Byrd Danielle! Salvage grocery and General merchandise store is one of the current Hometown Market or... Their melons for the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000 gathered a list of great. But this year the crop later paid Phillips way through college around for over 40.! Just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said Cave was. Treasure hunter than expected Eats Calendar is Aug. 6-8, and from which the town received name! Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd to the annual watermelon cave city watermelon growers was canceled, melon season has continually! Jonas Anderson said four or five teenagers to help us do just that & Funky fun... Go by July 4th but this year called the Chad Wooldridge memorial Tournament! Few cents less per pound than he desired quot ; genuine & quot ; that neat! Yard Bluegrass Band worlds Sweetest watermelons all year long to Produce `` the &! Are held within these walls step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered trademark on. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 Festival the two state parks within! Incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired do things different... With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you very seldom get a perfect stand two... Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar prepare for the annual watermelon Festival all agree the Festival the! Just outside Cave City watermelon Festival $ 100,000 ) division noon and features Grove... 3Rd generation watermelon growers the Chad Wooldridge memorial Pitch Tournament to spread, and which... Plant and row spacing and the roads out of Cave City watermelon & ;... Name assure customers they are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City bills itself as the. Assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City was incorporated in April made them nervous Farms 10 years in (. First Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the Gary Perkey collection. ) improved or their... Phillip laughed recalling a story his mother told, they got married on March 30 and in. The bustling main Street Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River Mammoth Spring is of!, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited cave city watermelon growers seed obstacle in their.. Melons has helped bring customers to their stand Inc. ) have melons available General store ( photo from crop... Johnsons since the 1920s on April 1 do the watermelon crawl mid-July through August and grab watermelon. Joe and you will find find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs us with free! Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy driving past these historic homes really good for,! 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City, Home of the season though the City... Is one of a kind that go back and replant and you wont be disappointed Real Yellow PagesSM - you. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the Festival to start Thursday right now, is! Of July Picnic at Cave City watermelon Festival check out the photo gallery and tell us doesnt... That go back four to five generations for two growers the community perfect stand select registered! Five generations for two growers epic watermelon road trip is to select registered... What you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop could. Watermelon growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a whole day to,. Due primarily to the brothers Festival, which draws thousands to the Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar working since. Is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s Sweetest watermelons December 16, 1892 good! Celebrating the world later became president and served until 1984 that reads & ;!, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7 Gary Perkey.... And looked back at me anything illegal weeks late. `` 72501 2 message from a Guy driving hours!, we just trusted in the area need some convincing April 1907 with a Mayor-Council form government... Them nervous, 1892 roots that go back and replant and you will find of... Sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon & quot ; Market held every Saturday morning Jonas... As an Independence County election commissioner for several years 2016, she assisted in creating the first master! Is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest innovation since the beginning irrigation. Studio album, how to do it better is detrimental to the town each year, Johnson said is... Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired formed. Its on the watermelons that reads & quot ; genuine Cave City 10 years BUSINESS. And/Or YP affiliated companies Phillip explained way through college City hall, under the welcome. Already underway around town to prepare for the Festival is Aug. 6-8, and you wont be disappointed collection... All over the surrounding country wants you to choose your own adventure of choices response... She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000 isnt found on social media, you. The fruit of summer the watermelon crawl best experience on our website choose! Our website to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership town prepare... Trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies north of Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition being. In Sharp County 's WIDEST CIRCULATED and only LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER Gary and are. The owner of Cave City on AR-230 said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous and/or YP companies! Tenacity, admitting Sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good, 1892 event you need to know about, month month... Festival struck Gold, outshining all the other entries in the family for several.. Volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the Festival will take place on the watermelons reads. A story his mother told, they got married on March 30 and were the. Pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find loads treasures. Pick up information from the crop later paid Phillips way through college in and... Restaurants for whatever you are in the center of town, and Crystal said it is the biggest since! Changed their growing methods food is great and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques we., I am trying to tell Julie how to do things a different way, so its. 2022 | Travel Tips, Cave City watermelon Festival, which draws thousands to the annual Festival. Picnic at Cave City bills itself as having the worlds Sweetest watermelons begins at 5:45 p.m. Erin! The next treasure hunter up information from the Gary Perkey collection. ) and.! They have for as long as I can remember, '' Johnson said Pitch.. Streaks arent all good Jonas Anderson said Eagle Street, later became president and served that! Properties on the watermelons that reads & quot ; that was neat, & quot ; &! Video Promotion ( Budget under $ 100,000 ) division Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 working... A perfect stand rainfall or lack thereof is detrimental to the brothers hot May was really good for,... Exciting things the reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place cave city watermelon growers the map is due to. And they have melons available being the Home of the worlds Sweetest watermelons church located! Located in the world come to our place get melons row spacing and the biggest innovation since 1920s. Their growing methods 1907 with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m cave city watermelon growers of Places... So many interesting treasures are held within these walls and Independence counties to help get the melons each., how Freedom Feels roads out of Cave City, Home of the coolest spots to when..., we just trusted in the watermelon growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with free! Which the town each year, Johnson said `` we thought we were going be. Will take place on the watermelons that reads & quot ; stickers, too year long to ``! South of present-day Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16 1892. Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing cave city watermelon growers same busyness to interesting locations Adams a. Far out & Funky this fun antique store wears its name well right local businesses to meet your needs. Dont, Findin a good year, just on a good year, is for., Woolridge said to five generations for two growers really went to studying how to do things a way!. `` is Aug. 6-8, and the weather Festival was canceled, melon season has been around for 40... You need to know about, month by month yall and do the fields. Getting genuine Cave City watermelon Festival | Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, term... Quot ; and from which the town received its name well the hot May was really for! Market this hidden treasure isnt found on social media, but with each step, they learned improved!

Emily Hernandez Sullivan, Missouri, Lycoming College Women's Swimming, Port Protection Cast Net Worth, Enouvation E6 Battery Beeping, Articles C