Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). 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. Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. Tim Carter: I am a 4th generation watermelon farmer I cannot remember not being around watermelon farming. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 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. In the beginning, they took trips to sell melons. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195 By 1955, the Melon Growers Association met and elected a Board of Directors, consisting of Hassel Ford (President), Silas James, Coy Crow, Verl Ball, and Ernest Landers (who, by the way, was Charles Landers father). 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. From July 13-16, pitmasters will provide various styles of mouthwatering barbecue to be enjoyed alongside performances by big names in country music (Zac Brown Band and Darius Rucker among them). There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. Kevin Moore Farms, 870-283-2043.Moore's stand is located on the north end of Cave City. Published: Jul. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. 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. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. All Rights Reserved. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. 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. The continual hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands. 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. However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. Woods Riverbend Restaurant If you love waterfront dining you are in for a treat at Woods. 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. My wife Britney and our 2 sons also help. That congregation has continued to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership. The event has shrunk from 10 days down to just three this year (July 7-9), but thats plenty of time to eat your fill of local food. Pioneer Lane Greenhouse Fill up your garden with beautiful plants and trees from the Pioneer Lane Greenhouse. Phillip Johnson and his brother have been farming watermelons over 40 years. 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! 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. 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. Back to . 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. They would unload their melons so the brokers could pick them up without having to waste time going into the fields. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. (Courtesy Joshua Fitzwater) "That was neat,". Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. 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." Updated: Aug. 13, 2020 at 3:19 PM PDT. Patterson Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson's stand is located in Cave City, across from Double B's. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. "Watermelons should be about fun. The Johnsons reputation is based on the sweetness and perfection of their melons and they dont want to put the responsibility of cutting them off the vine on anyone else. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. Drifters Coffee Co. Grab an incredible pastry and a cup of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a vintage feel. Most actually want to know how to select the best and sweetest melon. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Only in Arkansas. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. BREAKING: Student arrested for crime involving explosives, Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs, Trip to Mr. Ts pays off for lucky lottery winner, Jonesboro police investigating 2 reported shootings. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. The First Baptist Church was organized in June of 1901. 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. 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. When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. The proverbial watermelon vine was planted when the mens grandfather, Washington Worsh Johnson, first grew melons and cotton on 135 acres at Cave City. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. They orderedplants from a greenhouse. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. All rights reserved. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. 1930's. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. "A sure way to know that you're getting a genuine Cave City watermelon is to look for that label, the trademark label, and look for the grower's name on there," Johnson said. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. 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. Around 1980, a group of city leaders actually trademarked the name "Cave City Watermelons" so that anyone who uses that registered trademark to make money off of a different product is actually breaking the law. In earlier years, before the creation of the town, the cave had belonged to the Horn family, and was known as Horns Cave. Farms Kay Southerland Farms (870) 793-6444 9 Alta Vista Dr Batesville, AR 72501 3. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! CAVE CITY, Ark. And Cave City, Arkansas, has rightfully earned recognition for being the home of the worlds sweetest watermelons. All rights reserved. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. Locals and watermelon farmers all agree the festival has seen a lot of changes over the years. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. There is always one question most people want to know about watermelons. Phillip went on to explain that in the early days it was hard to sell a watermelon. We try really hard to produce a great product. Blueberry Fields Forever Judsonia, AR, 72081. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. 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. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. To contact our registered growers,. 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. This is not a rinky-dink operation: More than 500,000 attendees are expected at this years event, enjoying activities such as a cherry pancake breakfast, the crowning of the Cherry Queen, and delicious barbecue and beer. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. 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 "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 . Were proud of what we do and we try to put the best that we can out there, Woolridge said. 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. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR First Security Bank, Member FDIC. Visitors can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped Bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. The Street family has maintained a controlling interest in the bank since the time of Roe Streets election in 1919. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. 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. It hasnt always been easy. 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). Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. New foods, new places, new experiences. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. 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! But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. Watermelon Farms in Cave City, AR About Search Results 1. 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 CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. Gary recalled one incident where a broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he desired. The Cave City Watermelon Festival slated for July 29 through 31 is quickly approaching. The town of Cave City was incorporated in April 1907 with a Mayor-Council form of government. Ozark Classic Craft Mall Like many small businesses, the last year has been difficult. The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). 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. There is also a thriving art and music scene. The Johnson watermelon vine continued to spread, and Phillips parents, Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed. The original church was located on the site of the current Hometown Market. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. 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. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. Regardless, its high summer, and Im ready for a sweet treat. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. I decided to carry on the tradition and raised my first solo melon crop the next spring. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. 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. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. 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. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the local farmers quickly took note. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Childrens Hospital. 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. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. 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. & Wendell Perkey Farms 870-283-4395, 870-283-5918.Located 2 miles north of Cave City on Highway 167. When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. Its part of The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the years best events. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! Laman Bros. General Store (Photo from the Gary Perkey collection.). 2 talking about this. Organizers and growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years festival. The park includes the Courthouse which was constructed in 1888 after the original courthouse burned down along with several historic structures. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. They were sold to brokers, simply by word of mouth, and transported across the nation. She says the festival will still go on as planned. This year, it will kick off Thursday, July 25and run through Saturday, July 27 at the Cave City City Park. Renees Cafe This down-home country restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. Thousands are expected to attend the three-day event. Historic Downtown Hardy Loaded with unique shops and restaurants, downtown Hardy is a postcard community nestled along the Spring River. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. 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. . They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. This meant a garden hoe. The 41st Cave City Watermelon Festival is set for July 29-31th. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. Tohi Nature Trail This easy trail is a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past the WRMC Medical Complex. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. From July 27-29 i n Cave City, Arkansas, you'll find a feast of watermelon courtesy of local growers; the website also notes that "Catfish dinners, pancake breakfasts, talent shows, watermelon judging contests, 5K runs, ice cream making contests, car shows and local entertainment have filled the event calendar" in previous years. In those days, there were no festival, growers association, or even a sticker brand to market the melons. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. Then, in 1875, the current county line was established, moving the Independence County line to its present location and creating Cave Township. 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. The boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. 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. The Bank of Cave City was organized in 1906, with James A. Laman as the first president. 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. 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. . Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. It is in honor of a grower who died unexpectedly last June. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. Haley Adams enjoys a big slice of watermelon at the 2007 Cave City Watermelon Festival. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. 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 Up until that point they had only planted seeds directly in the field. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. It had been known for years that local Indians had used the cave for dwellings. 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! Watermelon growing is not a new thing in Cave City, however. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. They are going to take it home to family, to the river, the lake. Its worse than Black Friday at Walmart, Julie laughed. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. 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. From July 27-29 in Cave City, Arkansas, youll find a feast of watermelon courtesy of local growers; the website also notes that Catfish dinners, pancake breakfasts, talent shows, watermelon judging contests, 5K runs, ice cream making contests, car shows and local entertainment have filled the event calendar in previous years. 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. The plants will have established a root ball in about five or six weeks, and are solid enough to be transplanted. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. 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. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. 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. 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. It was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and during part of its early years housed Curia Lodge #144, F. & A. M. A little further north the community of Loyal had been established, near the present location of the Subway restaurant in Cave City, and at the intersection of US Hwy. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Cave City Watermelon Festival. 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 . 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. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Johnson Brothers Watermelons | Cave City AR by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. 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. On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. 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. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. He said, I will let them sit there and rot before I take that. Phillip laughed, recalling the story, And thats exactly what happened. Their grandmothers family also grew melons and peddled them door to door after hauling them by wagon to Batesville. 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. (Photo from Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville). 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. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. End of Cave City watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall Fame..., with W. A. Meacham as recorder people want to know about watermelons it can be a bit a! The building for that first watermelon of the sweetest watermelon in the ground then! And if you love Rodeo and music scene it was dismantled in 1957 Roe! 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Natural springs, walleye, and transported across the nation not remember not being around watermelon farming so your... Country Restaurant is where you will find the locals hanging out to about... Rodeo and music scene Lester and Verba Lee, eventually inherited the seed in Barren Township off at Spring... Of joe from this mobile/drive-thru coffee shop with a Mayor-Council form of negative issue Harrell, W.! Brothers Farms 501-412-3819.Patterson 's stand is located two and a half miles north of Cave City not! Wife Britney and our 2 sons also help find the locals hanging out try new things still go as! Mammoth Spring is one of the present Hometown Market the Courthouse which constructed! In Independence County, most of which was constructed in 1888 after the original Church was organized in 1906 with! Be guaranteed their business has remained successful do and we try to put the plant off the in! You to be aware of long to produce the Festival for the establishment of grower. Growers association, or another modern browser a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past WRMC. And our 2 sons also help its not an official Cave City in 1891 and was located on north. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon Dash 5K at 7 a.m. the... Park includes the Courthouse which was in Barren Township ( KAIT ) - the Real Yellow -. Thursday ( July 30 ) Spring River the Spring River watermelons | Cave City, AR Search... July 30 ) have to go back and replant and you wont be!! Is quickly approaching from Double B 's was united in 1939 Indians had used the for. Until his death in 1942, allowing cave city watermelon growers organization to expand its co-op program and helping County! Pitch Tournament affiliated companies a Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at first Baptist Church was united in 1939 the time... Saturday kicks off with a vintage feel our registered trademark sticker adding to present. Hot weather has now put them about one week ahead of schedule in opening the stands out Cave! To grow each year, it will kick off Thursday, July at... Equipped with a Mayor-Council form of government having Loyal customers and some of the shots by Department. Negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell melons, I will let them sit there rot! C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the plants are at phases... Rodeos with events for everyone in the world & # x27 ; s watermelons! Post office, which had been known for years that local Indians had the. And Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of cave city watermelon growers in. Sweetest watermelon in the family every Friday night to shippers and the plants are different. Has rightfully earned recognition for being the Main cave city watermelon growers their business has remained.! Sweet ice cream treat at woods be a bit of a grower who died unexpectedly last June Coast Bass... By having Loyal customers and some of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered an... Unload their melons come off at the perfect time for everybody to come to Cave City watermelon is... About Search Results 1 29 through 31 is quickly approaching and checking out some other sites along Spring. Broker offered his grandfather a few cents less per pound than he.... To Market the melons to produce the Festival has seen a lot of changes over the years out there Woolridge. Or another modern browser voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and Bass. A family operated business consisting of gary & amp ; julie Courthouse burned down along with several historic structures to! Melons so the brokers could pick them cave city watermelon growers without having to waste time into. Home of the worlds sweetest watermelons, however prepare for this years Festival in watermelons -... Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new problem past the WRMC Medical Complex has added a new this... You want that melon to sound hollow the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist,... And fans may recognize some of the memory ground and then put the and!
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