You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. By 1958, the association had 127 members with about 1,000 acres planted in watermelons in Sharp and Independence counties. Created with Sketch. The Street family has maintained a controlling interest in the bank since the time of Roe Streets election in 1919. 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. The town of Cave City was started around 1890 when two brothers, James Andrew (Jim) and John William (Jack) Laman, moved to the present site of Cave City. The first post master at Cave City was Thomas J. Wooldridge, whose term began December 16, 1892. We thought we were going to be about three weeks late.". We worked our tails off all day, did it in cold ground, poured cold water in it, packed them in. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. 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. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. "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 . 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. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. Cave City growers just want you to know, it's important to look for the sticker. 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. She leaned back on her hoe and looked back at me. Phillip explained, I am trying to tell Julie how to do it right, how to do it better. An original postcard of the Crystal River Cave Camp as it appeared in the 1930s. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. People would travel for miles around to attend theses meetings, sometimes called union meetings or tent revivals, where two or more church de-nominations would hold meeting at the same time and place. When a watermelon is cut off the vine, it is as good as it ever will be, it wont keep ripening, Gary explained. 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. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. 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. Usually the famous watermelons are ready to go by July 4th but this year the crop is a . Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. When Sharp County was formed in 1868, what is now Cave City was still in Independence County, including north of present-day Cave City to almost the Maxville area. Another point of interest was the cave which was located in the center of town, and from which the town received its name. Your email address will not be published. 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. Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. 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. She says the festival will still go on as planned. file size: 5 MB. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip & Julie. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. 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. Julie Johnson, the committee member of the Watermelon Festival, said she is excited, but nervous as she has seen the increase in COVID cases statewide. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . The building for that church was completed in 1898 and existed until the Methodist Church was united in 1939. "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. 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. The proverbial watermelon vine was planted when the mens grandfather, Washington Worsh Johnson, first grew melons and cotton on 135 acres at Cave City. Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind event for decades. After returning to Cave City from World War II, Lester became a watermelon farmer in 1945. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee! The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. Calico Rock Arkansas Main Street Network will be hosting a Fundraiser for The Sean Hunt Memorial on March 11th from 11 am to 4 pm. 20/07/2019 . I have people from Dallas and Chicago drive all the way to Cave City, Arkansas just to come to our place get melons. 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. Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. We know some will argue that Hope watermelons are better. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. 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! Its the perfect country supply store. 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. Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. If they have banana pudding on the menu, order extra to go! Perkey Farms is a family owned and operating watermelon farm. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). Cin-sations Flea Market This hidden treasure isnt found on social media, but you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint antique/junk shop! A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. 7 - The World's Sweetest Watermelons. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. 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." 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. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. All rights reserved. 1930's. In 1919, J. M. (Roe) Street became president and served in that capacity until his death in 1942. The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Johnson Brothers Watermelons | Cave City AR We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. John S. Gibson began hosting a competition for the largest melons in 1916. "They thrive really well in hot weather so the hot May was really good for growth," Johnson said. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. The town of Cave City was incorporated in April 1907 with a Mayor-Council form of government. 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. There are several outfitters in the area that will provide gear and shuttle service so you can enjoy a fun day in the cool waters of the Spring River. They are located 2 1/2 miles north of Cave City. Three Chicks Flea Market This vintage market contains a great collection of merchandise just waiting to be discovered by the next treasure hunter. To contact our registered growers,. This included transplanting. 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. At the time, Phillip was 13. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. One of the main draws to Hardy is the Spring River and its a must if you enjoy floating. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. Usually the Cave City Watermelon Festival is held the week after the Hope Watermelon Festival, but this year they were held concurrently. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . This and resellers marking the melons up to make so large of profit that the cost of their fruit is much higher than the Johnsons melons at their stand. The event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. Circle B Farm Farms 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS (870) 307-0302 403 Brewer Hill Rd Batesville, AR 72501 2. Be sure to fill out all the fields in order to have yours selected. 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. Read more about how Powhatan is Frozen in Time. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . 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. Main Street looking South. CAVE CITY, Ark. Wilson Country Supply Wilsons is one of the coolest spots to visit when you are in the area. 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 . 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. Be sure to come pause in Hardy while you travel. Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. 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 said, During this time, they were going more for commercial production for selling them to large cities like Chicago. 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