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. So I prefer to go right to the source. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. J.W. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 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. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. 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 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. We appreciate the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the festival, Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. 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. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. 71 were here. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. Historical Marker An historical marker documenting the Civil War in Sharp County and the Sharp Family in the Civil War can be seen at the corner of West Main and Court Streets. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. They both built homes (on the site of the current location of the Bank of Cave City and on the old bank property just to the north) and moved in by 1890. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. You want the stem to be green with a white spot on the belly. Gary added, Some of the spots are also yellow to brown depending on the variety of melon., It hasnt always been easy. 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. They were beautiful hot plants. 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. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. Gary said, During this time, they were going more for commercial production for selling them to large cities like Chicago. At that time growers rented stalls in a facility near the present day community center. 167 and 115. Pittsburgh is out here proving that it might be the city with the best sense of humor, mounting the Picklesburgh festival annually in partnership with Pennsylvania-based Heinz. These days, the reason for Cave Citys renowned and its place on the map is due primarily to the annual Watermelon Festival! 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. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. All rights reserved. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. "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. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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 . They were sold to brokers, simply by word of mouth, and transported across the nation. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. 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. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. CAVE CITY, Ark. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. A melon growers' association was formed at Cave City in 1938. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. This line of the Laman family had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. 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. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! All rights reserved. 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. There is also a thriving art and music scene. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. Most activities are at the Cave . 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. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. 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 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. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. Please contact businesses directly for the most recent hours before planning a destination. Prior to planting, they use a machine to lay down the black plastic and drip tape that will carry water to the plants after they are transplanted. Perkey Farms is a family owned and operating watermelon farm. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. That is a big deal to us. "Business is very . 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. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. No one will ever argue that watermelon blood doesn't run deeply in Cave City. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! 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. 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. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. Preferred listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share 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. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. Be sure to stop by on a Friday and order the catfish. His son, Eagle Street, later became president in 1942 and served until 1984. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. . "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. 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. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. The Hunter Brothers are located in Cave City. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. 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. That leaves us with a whole day to explore, and the roads out of Cave City lead to interesting locations. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. 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. We have confidence in our picking. 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 . Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. 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. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. 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. County Music Legion Tracy Byrd, will be headlining this years festival on Saturday Night. So much so that Cave Citys watermelons are celebrated each year at the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival Celebrating its 42ndyear, the 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. 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. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. All rights reserved. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They bring with them lots of experience. Ruthel Laman Heasley, a granddaughter of Jim Laman, stated that her grandfather and his brother were determined to create a new town when they moved their families there in 1889. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. The Cave City Watermelon Festival will take place July 26-28 at the Cave City city park. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. All rights reserved. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Through the years, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield. Phillip said the most labor intensive and important part of the production comes while preparing the soil. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. 2 talking about this. Jonesboro! They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. 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. 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 Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. 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! Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". It wasnt always successful, but with each step, they learned and improved or changed their growing methods. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. 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. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. The park includes the Courthouse which was constructed in 1888 after the original courthouse burned down along with several historic structures. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. We try really hard to produce a great product. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. Over the years, various attempts have been made to explore the cave and to determine the origins of the Crystal River which flows under the town of Cave City. Peck hosts SiriusXMs Y2Kountry and is an accomplished recording artist and performer. 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. He promptly refused. The Fourth of July Picnic at Cave City was another major attraction, bringing folks from all over the surrounding country. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. While watermelons are at the center of the celebration, the people and businesses that make the Cave City area one of the greatest places in Arkansas are also celebrated. 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. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. 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. Gather around for events such as the biggest happy hour of the summer and enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch on Sunday. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. 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. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. 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. Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. 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. Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. 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. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. 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. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or temporarily... ; association was formed at Cave City, but you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint shop... Had settled on Curia Creek, about a mile south of present-day Cave City was in! 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