It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. "I think there were three people on the chamber of commerce that got [the festival] going," said. She says the festival will still go on as planned. 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. 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. The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the area is what gives the melons such asweet flavor. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. . My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. 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! (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Watermelons and other various produce such as. The Festival will happen at the Cave City Park. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. To contact our registered growers, check:. Music starts at 6 p.m. with Erin Walters, followed y MaryBeth Byrd and Danielle Peck. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. 2 talking about this. 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. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. . Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind event for decades. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. No one has ever been able to show where the river begins or where it eventually ends. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. Real, authentic Cave City melons come from registered growers and have an official sticker on them. 2023 Ozark Gateway. 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. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. Their first attempt at utilizing the transplanting technique over seed planting was one of the many trial and error experiences from which the Johnsons have learned. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. That year, the Johnsons attended field days in watermelon fields in Southeast Missouri from Leechville to Hocum, areas where watermelons also grow well. First Security Bank, Member FDIC. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. 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. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. Organizers and growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years festival. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. Little Rock, Conway, Searcy, Benton, Heber Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Batesville, Mountain View, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Arkadelphia. In the beginning, they took trips to sell melons. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. 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. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. Its the perfect spot to embark on a treasure hunt. CAVE CITY, Ark. It hasnt always been easy. 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. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. With a wagon and team, Worsh hauled his melons out of the field and placed them in Big Creek near present day North Ridge Road to cool. New foods, new places, new experiences. 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. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. 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. BREAKING: Student arrested for crime involving explosives, Growers prepare for Cave City Watermelon Festival, Trip to Mr. Ts pays off for lucky lottery winner, Jonesboro police investigating 2 reported shootings, Plans for new Sikeston fire station moving forward, Buddhist monks to create mandala sand painting at Lyon College. Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. 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. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. Brothers Jonathan and Justin Hunter are the newest and youngest registered Cave City Watermelon Growers. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. 167 and 115. 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. That's saying somethingsince Johnson and his brother were raised in the watermelon fields as their parents also grew them. Most recognize Gary and Phillip as the Watermelon Men, but in reality, Johnsons melon production began long before the two men were even a thought. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. The proverbial watermelon vine was planted when the mens grandfather, Washington Worsh Johnson, first grew melons and cotton on 135 acres at Cave City. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. Sadly, their father passed away in June before seeing the first of what is now the 46th harvest of his sons melons and the establishment of Johnson Brothers Watermelons. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. 2, 2019 at 5:14 PM PDT. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. 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.] "Pull up a chair, sit and visit for a while, and have a good time," he suggested. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 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. Copyright 2018KAIT. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. 2021 Cave City Watermelon Festival Set for July 29-31th April 29, 2021by KFFB 106.1 FM Cave City Watermelon Festival is gearing up for another great Festival. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. 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. CAVE CITY, AR (KAIT) - It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. 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. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. The preparation is always crazy, especially this time of year, just on a good year, Johnson said. 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! They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. They carry everything you need for a successful fishing trip on the Spring River. Julie is one of the only growers who began utilizing social media to promote their products and she feels the videos she posts have helped more than anything. Weve all just been working hard since we canceled last year, Johnson said. Today, people from around the world come to this small place each summer to help us do just that! Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. It is about an event, about happiness. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m.Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Whether they are from Cave City or not, the . Flickr/kitchener.lord. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. 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. Up until that point they had only planted seeds directly in the field. Julie said, There are no female melons, laughing in anticipation of the question, but stating it is one so many people ask. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. (KAIT) - The town of Cave City and festival goers from all over the country are kicking off the 40th annual Watermelon Festival this week. There is also a thriving art and music scene. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. Be sure to stop by on a Friday and order the catfish. 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 division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. 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. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. 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. 4:00pm: Free Watermelon Feast - Behind Melon stage. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. 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 . Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. All rights reserved. The festival struck Gold, outshining all the other entries in the Best Video Promotion (Budget under $100,000) division. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. Travelers will also find antique stores and flea markets. Peck hosts SiriusXMs Y2Kountry and is an accomplished recording artist and performer. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. 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. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . 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. Johnson says theyve seen more people at their stand and more people in the city in preparation for melon season and the festival. . 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. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Outfitters include Spring River Oaks, Many Islands Camp and Canoe, and Southfork Resort. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Watermelon Farms in Cave City, AR About Search Results 1. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. It then puts about a cup of water in the hole and Julie and Becky sit on the back of the machine and place the rooted plants in the ground one by one. Kevin Moore Farms, 870-283-2043.Moore's stand is located on the north end of Cave City. The annual watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town each year, is scheduled for July 26-28. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . One of the most favorite and anticipated of these camp meetings was the holiness camp meeting held every year at Calamine by ministers of the Nazarene Church. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. "Watermelons should be about fun. 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. I could try to tell you how cool it is but you just have to see it for yourself! Cave City Watermelon Festival. With pawn items, overstocks and new merchandise, you never know what you will find. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. 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. 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. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. 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