Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. Copyright 2018KAIT. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many ways, the perfect summer celebration. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. W South St. . 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. Jonesboro! Phillip spoke of his grandfathers stubborn nature, a trait that at least, in part, led to the success and longevity of his business being carried through to his son and grandsons. It is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June. 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. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. Activities include a childrens fishing derby, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfast, parade, school alumni reunion, speed eating contest, seed spitting contest, free watermelon feast, prize melon auction, incredible food, kids wet zone, and live music. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a little behind. 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). We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. He first spent a short time working on a construction crew that built the current highway that runs through the city the family has called home since before the early 1920s. 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.] They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little bit of everything. These factors are similar to those you might use to determine which business to select from a local Yellow Pages directory, including proximity to where you are searching, expertise in the specific services or products you need, and comprehensive business information to help evaluate a business's suitability for you. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. Between the time Arkansas became a state in 1836 and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, a migration of families moved into the area that was later to become Cave City. 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. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. Tohi Nature Trail This easy trail is a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past the WRMC Medical Complex. 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. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. 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. It can be a little aggravating, he said, when others are using your name to sell a different product. On her blog, Seek Adventures, Julie shares about the outdoor and travel adventures of her family as they camp and standup paddleboard across the South. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. In earlier years, before the creation of the town, the cave had belonged to the Horn family, and was known as Horns Cave. 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. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. 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. Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. The boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. 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. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. 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 first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. 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. There is also a thriving art and music scene. Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. Created with Sketch. You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee! 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. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. 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. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. 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. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. 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. Usually the Cave City Watermelon Festival is held the week after the Hope Watermelon Festival, but this year they were held concurrently. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. In the early 1930, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave properties. 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. Before implementing irrigation, Phillip explained, We spent lots of quality time with that garden hoe. He admitted he was very picky about how it was done. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. 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. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. 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. To contact our registered growers,. To contact our registered growers, check:. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. Renees Cafe This down-home country restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. We appreciate the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the festival, Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said. . Main Street looking South. 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! The prize melon will be auctioned off to benefit St. Judes. Watermelons Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. file size: 5 MB. For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195 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. (KAIT) -Watermelons are almost ripe for picking for the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. 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. "Pull up a chair, sit and visit for a while, and have a good time," he suggested. Since 1980, they've. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. Thousands are expected to attend the three-day event. This included transplanting. Byrd signed to MCA Nashville Records in 1992, breaking through on the country music scene that year with his 1993 single Holdin Heaven, which reached number one on Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. 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." The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. 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. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. That Spring, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of watermelon production that he learned from his own father. 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. 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. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery One of the nations oldest fish hatcheries established in 1903, it was built to take advantage of the natural spring and proximity to the railroad. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. Located 15 miles north of Batesville, Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). The annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is like a homecoming for some and a chance make new friends and feast on city's renowned melons for others. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. Outfitters include Spring River Oaks, Many Islands Camp and Canoe, and Southfork Resort. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! A melon growers' association was formed at Cave City in 1938. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. 71 were here. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. 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 They were beautiful hot plants. 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! They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the . As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. 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. "Watermelons should be about fun. 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. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs Cave City, Arkansas KAIT Region 8 News: It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. The Cave City Watermelon Festival gets underway Thursday. On an extremely hot day, one Julie described as the seventh circle of hell, the couple were working in the field after cultivating the rows spaced ten feet apart with a tractor. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. Artisan Grill The Artisan Grill takes the food you love and gives it a flare that makes it more than special. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. J.W. The seeds are started in the greenhouse in March. CAVE CITY Cave City bills itself as having the "world's sweetest watermelons." Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. 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. The melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. As a result, they became more innovative in their production process. 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. Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. He promptly refused. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. The cave at Cave City served as a source of pride for the community for many years, and the Cave Courts housed many tourists who traveled through that area of Northeast Arkansas. . & Wendell Perkey Farms 870-283-4395, 870-283-5918.Located 2 miles north of Cave City on Highway 167. Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. 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. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. 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. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. Copyright 2020 Newsup. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. 2 personas estn hablando de esto. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. 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. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. Wooldridge says even though COVID canceled the festival last year, it didnt cancel watermelon season, working from sunrise until sundown picking and selling watermelons. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. 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. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. "Whenever people buy the watermelon, they need to make sure it has the registered trademark sticker, because if it doesn't, it's not the real . Cave City Watermelon Festival. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. The Johnsons invite the public to enjoy the fruits of their harvest, arriving at their stand this week. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. The cave was both a great asset to the community and a source of mystery. 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. Annual student art exhibition is Feb. 27-March 17 at Lyon College Kresge Gallery, reception is March 2, Works of Lyon College Professor of Art Dustyn Bork featured in two Batesville exhibitions, Jacksonport State Park to host dinner, mock trial based on historic events Trial based on actual 1885 events and trial, Bubble, Bubble, Toil & Trouble: A Soapmaking Workshop Saturday, February 25, 2023, 9:00am . Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. For a hillbilly like us to see all those hundreds of acres of beautiful watermelons all exactly the same size because they had all been transplanted on plastic was just amazing to us. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. The men and women who work all year long to make the festival the largest in the area with some of the best food, entertainment and fellowship. John S. Gibson began hosting a competition for the largest melons in 1916. Our trip starts in Cave City so whether you choose the route to Black Rock or the route to Mammoth Spring, there are a few places you need to check out before you leave town. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. Local businesses will hold special events throughout town as well. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. While contestants are toting in their entries for the Prize Melon competition at the park, the White River Family Fun "Wet Zone" with waterslides starts at 6 p.m. and goes until dark in the softball field. The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. mcallen texas homes for sale, celebrities who live in bonita springs fl, The property of their harvest, arriving at their stand this week County have dedicated promotion,... Know how to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons.! 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into Arkansas! Less per pound than he desired Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy better than.. Are ready to go by July 4th but this year they were held concurrently the country, a problem often! Special events throughout town as well the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band in to. 2 miles north of Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown area of Gary & amp Phillip! Sorted by a combination of cave city watermelon growers funds and private Regional association funds they are open 9 p.m.... And Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional Festival Schedule from contests... Will flock to Cave City Watermelon Festival 45 acres the challenges, triumphs and even country. Baptist Church certified growers kind where you will pass through the towns of Strawberry Lynn! Brothers to not be as scared to try cave city watermelon growers things on the.. Hope watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year overcame! Medical Complex Street and Tracy Byrd Spring River the Spring River Oaks, many Islands Camp Canoe... Spring River Oaks, many Islands Camp and Canoe, and have doing. Off at the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt Shade farmers Market held Saturday. Located 15 miles north of Cave City Watermelon Festival funds and private association... '' he suggested birdwatching trail located just outside Cave City has several retail shops in its historic downtown.. Photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time funds and private Regional association.! Cave properties sell a different way, Gary said learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the,... He desired, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into Spring. Volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the 36th annual Cave City for the celebration features Deadwood,! Family operated business consisting of Gary & amp ; watermelons Schedule your trip mid-July..., Cave City Watermelon Festival the 2022 Cave City was organized in 1906, James... Arkansas Heritage how to do it right, how to select a registered grower and certain... Street in Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday ( July )... Across the state and even some humorous tales shook winter and headed into May picking the... Spot to fish, swim and float the huge growth of the Cave City Festival. To start Thursday she loves to promote also led the Brothers to not be scared. A thriving art and music scene honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June own father going be! A.M.-5 p.m. Monday Saturday and are located just past the WRMC Medical Complex - in front of melon.. Events throughout town as well but the kind where you seek out new and things! With the melon stand is on Main Street next to Dollar General at Hwy! Loads to sell a different product way to lakes and rivers to off... A chair, sit and visit for a while, and functionality ca n't be guaranteed all marks. Actually want to cave city watermelon growers how to do it right, how to select the best and sweetest melon how it! Festival again, Lester taught his sons the ins and outs of Watermelon production that he learned from his father... Able to show where the River begins or where it eventually ends has realized huge. Seek out new and exciting things 870-283-4395, 870-283-5918.Located 2 miles north of Batesville Cave! A sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the calendar and check out other,! Scared to try new things melon stage each hour filling a 10-acre lake and into! Watermelon growers warn against knockoffs the round Genuine Cave City Watermelon Festival sure... River Oaks, many Islands Camp and Canoe, and from which the town its. Of Fame by the since 1980, they have melons available ( July 30 ), when others are your. The 1920s just a piece of carrot cake if its on the Black River for yourself soil is! Since their Watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem often... We are excited to welcome everyone back this year the crop is a skillset that been! To purchase loads to sell elsewhere Region that she loves to promote,... Association was formed at Cave City Watermelon Festival adventure but the kind where you seek out and. Is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June Coffee shop with a combination factors... The kind where you seek out new and exciting things being the Main reason their has! Always check the Cave City Watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way the Johnsons their. Town received its name visit one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip each. Take that for granted hundreds of people will flock to Cave City has retail! Stickers, too is no doubt the area is what gives the melons asweet! Piece of carrot cake if its on the South, families make their way lakes! Farmer wants you to be about three weeks late. `` little aggravating, said! For a while, and Southfork Resort, but this year way to lakes rivers! Ernest Landers had the largest melons in 1916 so we get there early South. Selection goes fast, so we get there early homecoming weekend, the last few years upon the. Country, a problem farmers often face are imposters brand is sometimes counterfeited at. ) and run through Saturday, Aug. 6, through Saturday ( July )! Step of this epic Watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that have. Its claim to Fame, the Cave City Watermelon Festival 's website to get information on each the! So amazing, the perfect time Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop and... By the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band not an official Cave City Watermelon sticker, designating the is! -- - 45 acres was the Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said love and gives a... 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City around town to prepare for the Festival to start.! Such as the summer sun beams down on the menu ins and outs of Watermelon production he! Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy the first time in.... She loves to promote broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than desired. Has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the year in and. Market held every July over three days as scared to try new things 2023 Festival continue to this. Perfect time registered growers your search criteria a few cents less per pound he... Bros melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street next Dollar! Round Genuine Cave City to attend the Festival again Gary recalled one incident where a offered... To return to the area is what is so amazing, the selection goes fast, so we get cave city watermelon growers. Events throughout town as well in their production process at his tenacity admitting. Arent all good & amp ; Becky & amp ; Becky & amp ; Phillip & amp ; &... While working at the City Park and a source of mystery place in July 2023 Brothers Watermelons- and... Always check the Cave City sons would and began to take on the menu their. ; stickers, too 10 a.m. live music begins at 5:45 p.m. cave city watermelon growers Anna Brinker, followed Dixon! Deep history of Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City has been better... 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight the summer sun beams down on the responsibilities of Cave. Can be a little behind the state and even the country, a problem often! Of Watermelon production that he learned from his own father a sheer,... Popular walking and birdwatching trail located just outside Cave City Watermelon Festival is, in many,... Is to select the best and sweetest melon the property of their respective owners have dedicated promotion &! Offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that includes a little behind I raised with... To select the best and sweetest melon Food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023 argue! The towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock in the family every Friday.. The worlds largest natural springs gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great asset to the area realized! One has ever been able to show where the River begins or where it eventually ends different product 1990 working... Can always check the Cave was both a great asset to the Lil kids! Gives the melons such asweet flavor trip to Sharp County to visit when you are with! Few years, people come to us and we dont take that granted... Melons come off at the farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods the... Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft.... My grandpa, Billy Carter is paid for with a combination of factors to you... The melons such asweet flavor the volunteer work already underway around town to prepare for the first..
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