Another interesting mention of the picnic in 1902 related that The rents for swings and lemonade stands will be used toward buying a wind mill to draw the water from the cave. [An article from theRecorddated July of 1928 states that the town had been celebrating the Fourth of July each summer for 35 years, which would have put the tradition starting as far back as 1893.] Held in the Cherry Capital of the WorldTraverse City, Michigan, that isthe National Cherry Festival runs for the entire week of July 1-8, a testament to just how celebrated this stone fruit is among locals and tourists alike (We are thrilled to put cherries on the top of everyones mind, reads the official website). Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. 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. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. 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 carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. 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. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. 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. Among the growers, are one family who are in their third generation of production of the luscious fruit of summer. "We thought that we were going to be really late. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. Every eating event you need to know about, month by month. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. Whether they are from Cave City or not, the . 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. Published: Jul. Watermelon Farms in Cave City, AR About Search Results 1. Source:http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs, Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs, Students map out early Arkansas explorer's path, Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. Grower Brian Carter can trace that blood back to his great, great grandfather who hauled melons from Sandtown by wagon to sell in Batesville in the early 1900s. Procedures for Commercial/Industrial Construction. With the help of C. P. (Prince) Matlock, efforts were made to develop the grounds and add cabins to what became known as Cave Courts. Watermelon is synonymous with Cave City, and while folks in my neck of the woods go bonkers when a pickup truck with a bed-full of [], Your email address will not be published. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. They bring with them lots of experience. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. 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. The goal was to have the young men take over the operation. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu, but the onion rings alone are worth the drive. 2 talking about this. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. In its earlier years, Cave Citys means of entertainment appeared to revolve around camp and/or brush arbor meetings and revivals at local (and often not-so local) churches. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the local farmers quickly took note. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. This involves discing, cultivating, fertilizing and planting that typically begins in April. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind event for decades. 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. . Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. In 1976, the vine expanded once again to encompass Gary and Phillip as their father guided them in the growing and production process during his illness. At the time, Phillip was 13. 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. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. 71 were here. Created with Sketch. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. 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. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. 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. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. From left, Tyler Parsley, Cederic Etheridge, Jonathan Fowler and Julie Johnson, members of the Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee, stand by some of the melons they will be celebrating July 27-29. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. 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. Town and family lore have it that the post office was secretly spirited out of Loyal and rolled on logs to Cave City after the presidential election of 1892 placed more friendly Democrats in charge of the postal department! The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. 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. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. All Rights Reserved. As the festival inches closer, melons are flying off of stands just as quickly as growers are putting them there. 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 Back to . "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 First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. Calico Rock Arkansas Main Street Network will be hosting a Fundraiser for The Sean Hunt Memorial on March 11th from 11 am to 4 pm. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). 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. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! 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. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. 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. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. To contact our registered growers,. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. 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