cave city watermelon growers
When you direct seed, you very seldom get a perfect stand. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". The first step of this epic watermelon road trip is to select a registered grower and make certain that they have melons available. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. 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. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . Visitors can also see remnants of the famous swinging bridge which spanned the Black River until it was dismantled in 1957. Apparently the Laman brothers bought large tracts of land in the Cave City area, built their business and encouraged other merchants to relocate at that place. Copyright 2018KAIT. History lovers will enjoy driving past these historic homes. 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. Pickled foods are, of course, the highlight here, but its comedy-focused too, featuring stand-up shows and touring performers throughout the weekend. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. To contact our registered growers,. 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. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301 . 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! 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. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. All rights reserved. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. 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. But this is an issue they deal with and overcome by having loyal customers and some of the sweetest melons in the state. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs current publicity chair. 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. Among the growers, are one family who are in their third generation of production of the luscious fruit of summer. 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. Try the sloppy joe and you wont be disappointed! We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. Johnson Brothers was established in 1976. You can even take a short side trip to check out their furniture and appliance store in Glencoe. Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. But the town began a steady decline when it was bypassed by the railroad in the late 1800s. On August 12th, 1925, Hugh and Edgar Laseter established a new standard for giant melons with their 136-lb winning watermelon. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. It should be about enjoyment, about having a good time about being with people," said Phillip Johnson, "I'm proud to be apart of that, you know we need a lot more joy in the . If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow. Older Post Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. 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. Gary said, During this time, they were going more for commercial production for selling them to large cities like Chicago. At that time growers rented stalls in a facility near the present day community center. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. Outfitters include Spring River Oaks, Many Islands Camp and Canoe, and Southfork Resort. 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. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted.. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. 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. Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. Flickr/kitchener.lord. KAIT Region 8 News: There will soon be a new monument in Cave City to honor the town's veterans."We've actually been talking about it for several years off and on," Mayor Jonas Anderson said. Although the town of Cave City is some 150 miles from the Mississippi River, it has been said that the Crystal River rises and falls with the Mississippi River. 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 tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? Gary and Phillips father, Lester, along with seven or eight of his siblings, learned early on how to properly produce a desirable melon. 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. That congregation has continued to grow and is currently adding to its present structure to accommodate an ever-expanding membership. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. 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 . Panhandlewatermelon.com - , Xranks. They carry everything you need for a successful fishing trip on the Spring River. Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and virtual assistant while raising her young son. However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. Whether they are from Cave City or not, the . Its likely festival goers will hear him play Watermelon Crawl, a fitting song to help celebrate this Cave City festival. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. 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. Currently the Johnsons plant 15 acres each year with 1300 watermelon plants per acre. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. Its part of The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar, a rundown of the years best events. There is no doubt the area has realized the huge growth of the Cave City Watermelon Festival in the last few years. The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. 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. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM The park includes the Courthouse which was constructed in 1888 after the original courthouse burned down along with several historic structures. This free, family friendly event is chocked full of food, entertainment and vendors, not to mention the free, ice cold melons on Saturday. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . 20/07/2019 . We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. 4,446 were here. At. 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! They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. 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. Right now, everything is on track for the festival to start Thursday. That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. The Cave City Watermelon Festival gets underway Thursday. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . New foods, new places, new experiences. 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! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. Phillip - 870-307-9632 Gary - 870-283-2854 Garrett Duncan walking a growers' Cave City Watermelon . Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Over the years, the Johnsons have overcome any obstacle in their path. 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). Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share 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. Evening Shade Farmers Market Stock up on some locally grown fruits, veggies and handmade goods at the farmers market held every Saturday morning. Over the years, small communities and churches sprang up in this area of Sharp and Independence counties, many of which established their own post offices and schools. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. The food is great and the company is even better. They were placed nine feet apart then, today, they are only three feet apart. 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. When you think of farming in Arkansas, you likely imagine vast soybean, [] when said friend has a full slate of activities planned that go beyond the aforementioned fruit. When they are picking, the selection goes fast, so we get there early. 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. "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. Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. The town is home to a growing school district that includes the Cave City Charter High School. Mammoth Spring State Park The park is home to an old mill and hydroelectric plant, the old Frisco Train Depot and Museum, a park, walking trails and a gift shop. Phillip said the most labor intensive and important part of the production comes while preparing the soil. 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. Daily Deals This salvage grocery and general merchandise store is one of a kind! The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Check out the photo gallery and tell us that doesnt look like a great time. 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! Also, be sure to grab a piece of carrot cake if its on the menu. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late 60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit. 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. Usually the Cave City Watermelon Festival is held the week after the Hope Watermelon Festival, but this year they were held concurrently. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. Note the stickers on the melons in the photo. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. 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