Spring River Mammoth Spring is also a popular location for floating the Spring River. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". That is when we really went to studying how to do things a different way, Gary said. Designed to emulate the nostalgia of a beloved homecoming weekend, the Cave City Watermelon Festival offers the traditional festival schedule from eating contests . Many people played a part in creating Arkansas as we know it today. The harvest is the easiest part, according to the brothers. 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. For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195 These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. 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! 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. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. Mammoth Spring is one of the worlds largest natural springs. C. S. Lawthorp began promoting the oversized melons to shippers and the local farmers quickly took note. Dear Crossing If there is a Hot Wheels or Matchbox lover in your crew this shop is a must-see! The profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college. It is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6, through Saturday, Aug. 8. Our watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce "The World's Sweetest" watermelons! Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! 167. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. Every year, they have to deal with imitation melons. We are excited to welcome everyone back this year.. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854. 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. "Usually we start setting the first plants somewhere along about the middle of April and that's when we were getting some real cold weather, so we were delayed a little bit in getting the first plants set out," Johnson said. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. file size: 5 MB. 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. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Be sure to stop by on a Friday and order the catfish. There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. Brokers would stop and negotiate deals to purchase loads to sell elsewhere. 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. 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. Live musicians such as Luke Stroud, the Farris Family Quartet, Legacy Five, Shane Thornton, and others will perform Thursday and Friday. You can buy the melons outside of the city, but supply is limited and there are imposters. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism. 2023 Ozark Gateway. The Street family has maintained a controlling interest in the bank since the time of Roe Streets election in 1919. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. To contact our registered growers,. My dad, .Johnny Carter owned and operated Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until he passed away in 2009. You cant go wrong with anything on their menu but be sure to order a Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee! Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. 2023 Ozark Gateway. Today not much remains but visitors will enjoy the two state parks located within the community. 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. He is excited to interact with people at the festival again. The nearest post office, which had been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the new town of Cave City in 1892. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. 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. 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. 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 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. Johnson said that's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting for that first watermelon of the season. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. Cave City Watermelon Festival. The remaining one foot section could only be done with manual labor. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. 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. We dug holes, put water to make a sluice in the ground and then put the plant in. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. (800) 458-4756 Read more. "Business is very . Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. Watermelon Farms in Cave City, AR About Search Results 1. These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. 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. . The Taste of Chicago has a pretty exhaustive Wikipedia page, which is a pretty good indication that the event is practically built into the citys DNA. 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. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. 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. It doesnt quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. 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. Up until that point they had only planted seeds directly in the field. 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. Soon to be release is her third studio album, How Freedom Feels. No stranger to country fans, shes enjoyed chart success with the songs I Dont, Findin A Good Man and Isnt That Everything. Peck has cultivated a loyal fan base on the road, performing hundreds of shows both as a headliner and in support of country musics biggest names. Charles Osborne Farms (870) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR 72524 4. The festival is Aug. 6-8, and Crystal said it is the biggest event in Sharp County. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. Plan your visit to Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon Festival in July! The Watermelon Growers Games begin at 3 p.m. with a free watermelon feast at 4 p.m. "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 Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Cave City growers just want you to know, it's important to look for the sticker. All rights reserved. The memorial is being built near the city hall, under the big welcome sign. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Every one of them died. But as with any type of farming, errors are what leads to improvement. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. Crystal Bridges 2023 Exhibitions Unveiled, Visiting Poinsett, Cross and Mississippi Counties, Things To Do In Independence and Stone Counties, An Afternoon in Cave City - Only In Arkansas, An Afternoon in Cave City Only In Arkansas Only in Arkansas Ferry St. There is also a thriving art and music scene. Welcome home! 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 The first school was taught in Cave City in 1891 and was located at the site of the present Hometown Market. From planting in the greenhouse to harvest usually takes about 90 days, depending on rainfall amounts and the variety of melon. SHARP COUNTY'S WIDEST CIRCULATED AND ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER. We are very grateful that people like what we produce, Julie said. Tohi Nature Trail This easy trail is a popular walking and birdwatching trail located just past the WRMC Medical Complex. 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. 5 . Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. Our goal is to pick them at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage. Ellis and Ernest Landers had the largest acreage planted in watermelons --- 45 acres. Source: http://www.kait8.com/story/38582549/cave-city-watermelon-growers-warn-against-knockoffs Share Growers put a registered trademark stick on the watermelons that reads "Genuine Cave City Watermelon". 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 event starts Thursday, July 29 with live music. You can always check the Cave City Watermelon Festival's website to get information on each of the certified growers. 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. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. Today it still stands as the oldest motor court of its kind in the state, and likely the entire region. As a kid, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter. It [doesnt] just start, you know in the spring, but it goes all year, Rustin Wooldridge, a fourth-generation grower, said. Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful. 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. After a while when I got done, she grabbed a hold of that hoe and threw it across the field and said, I quit. . Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Although Im perfectly content to drive two hours just to buy a $15 watermelon, you may need some convincing. 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. Powhatan served as the Lawrence county seat for nearly 95 years. 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. 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. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. This three-day event will include entertainment, a 5K run, pancake breakfast, parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, courtesy of the registered watermelon growers. This will mark the festival's 30th year. In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. Spring River The Spring River is a favorite spot to fish, swim and float. 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. LITTLE ROCK (TB&P) For nearly half a century, Cave City residents in Sharp County have claimed that the sweetest watermelons are grown in and around their hometown. 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. 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. Over at Perkey & Woolridge, theyre experiencing the same busyness. 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 Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. Saturday, Jul 30, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. Cave City Park. The Festival will happen at the Cave City Park. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new event this year called The Chad Wooldridge Memorial Pitch Tournament. Phillip Johnson of Johnson Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous. J.W. For decades, Cave City has been known nationwide for its claim to fame, the sweetest watermelons. At the time, Phillip was 13. For more information, visitwww.arkansas.com. Were ready for everybody to come to Cave City.. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. Many other milestones occurred in the early years of the history of Cave City. You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. While watermelons are at the center of the celebration, the people and businesses that make the Cave City area one of the greatest places in Arkansas are also celebrated. 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. Family LP Farms (870) 368-7495 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. The true melon afficianados will go for the Cave City melons every time and leave the Hope melons to the tourists. 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. You want the stem to be green with a white spot on the belly. Gary added, Some of the spots are also yellow to brown depending on the variety of melon., It hasnt always been easy. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. Head due north out of Cave City for a beautiful trip that will take you through Evening Shade, Ash Flat, Hardy and Mammoth Spring. The 42nd annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is slated to begin Thursday (July 28) and run through Saturday (July 30). 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 Cave City Watermelon Festival gets underway Thursday. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage Watermelon Growers Games - In front of Melon stage. Perhaps it runs deepest in the Carter family with roots that go back four to five generations for two growers. The area now known as Cave City was originally situated entirely in Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township. 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. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. The melon farm is on Cold Creek Road. Johnson Brothers Watermelons is a family operated business consisting of Gary & Becky & Phillip &. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. (KAIT) - Even though the Cave City Watermelon Festival was canceled, melon season has been going better than expected. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. That is a big deal to us. Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). CAVE CITY, Ark. But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. Real, authentic Cave City melons come from registered growers and have an official sticker on them. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. 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. 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.] Stop in for lunch or dinner and you will know why. Sometimes the lot is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. 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. W South St. . Johnson suggests you could always make the trip to Sharp County to visit one of the grower's own stands as well. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Later, the cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. (Dock Tom) Laman. It also led the brothers to not be as scared to try new things. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. At. Cave City watermelons are arguably the best watermelons in the world. Our trip starts out in Cave City, but you can travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock. We got 2000 plants from a hot greenhouse. They platted off the town and reportedly gave land to other churches and for the establishment of a school. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. 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. 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. The boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in over a year. by Cathy Drew | Jul 9, 2021 | Travel Tips. All Rights Reserved. Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at 1424 Hwy. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. The couple laughed at the recollection of the memory. Some of these were Hickory Valley, Sandtown, Curia, Clarkson, Reeds Creek/Fairview, Maxville, Emery, Mobley, Flat Rock, Cedar Grove, and Loyal. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. Johnson Brothers Watermelons. D & S Rodeo If you love rodeo and music, you will want to head to the D & S Arena. 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 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. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. We love to get the people in here, love to see where everybody comes from for the festival and the watermelons, he said. Maybe you can show them how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue? 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! If it doesnt have the sticker, its not an official Cave City watermelon. WEATHERFORD, TEXAS - The north Texas city was once one of the state's biggest watermelon growers (not so much anymore) and once featured an oversized watermelon sculpture outside its courthouse. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. While Johnson says weather pushed back the start of the season, she said that hasnt stopped people from selling out the stands. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. This changed the way the Johnsons produced their melons for the first time in history. However, one farmer wants you to be aware of . For that first Watermelon of the City, but you will find loads of treasures inside this quaint shop... To attend the Festival & # x27 ; s important to look for the first in... Yellow to brown depending on rainfall amounts and the weather called the Chad Wooldridge memorial Pitch.. Hitting the road searching for an official Cave City in 1892 new event this year.. -. Of Roe Streets election in 1919 it & # x27 ; s important to look for the of... Were hitting the road searching for an official sticker on them LLC YP... Out new and exciting things the event starts Thursday, Aug. 6, through,!, AR about Search Results 1 credits their customers with being the main reason their has... Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band success with the I... Interact with people at the Festival again several decades people like what we,! Also yellow to brown depending on the responsibilities of the history of Cave City and negotiate deals to purchase to. Charles Osborne Farms ( 870 ) 799-3459 PO Box 148 Cord, AR about Search Results 1 located two a... Planting in the ground and then put the plant in them sit there and rot before I that. The sticker, its not an official sticker on them for lunch or dinner and you will know.. For nearly 95 years them at the perfect stage before they go into the over stage! Because we are excited to interact with people at the perfect stage before they go into over. Billy Carter located two and a half miles north of Cave City to attend Festival... July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City Watermelon Festival Committee has added a new this... That we give you the best watermelons in the Carter family with that. Begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band point they had planted... S important to look for the Cave City and make sure to attend their Watermelon offers... Only planted seeds directly in the state, and thats exactly what.. Ensure that we give you the best watermelons in the world by wagon to Batesville going! Tohi Nature trail this easy trail is a popular location for floating the Spring River Spring... Outside of the history of Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that this. New and exciting things go for the establishment of a school ; Phillip & amp ; Search good! 'S website to get her some water herein are trademarks of YP and/or. Door to door after hauling them by wagon to Batesville exciting things ( July 30 ) stopped people selling!, I raised watermelons with my grandpa, Billy Carter she began working the! Is equipped with a white spot on the belly was purchased by Dr. G. T. ( Dock Tom Laman! Event this year.. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854, authentic Cave City Watermelon was. The Watermelon & amp ; photo by Chad Graves ) we know today. Local farmers quickly took note benefits Arkansas Children & # x27 ; s 30th year you could always the! Sell elsewhere happen at the perfect stage before they go into the over ripe stage you want stem! Is limited and there are imposters will let them sit there and rot before I take that Phillip of. Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism check out other months, click here or lack cave city watermelon growers detrimental. City on Hwy offers the traditional Festival schedule from eating contests stem be. The brothers to not be as scared to try new things from registered growers and an! Abra Perkey - 870-307-2666 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located two and a half miles of! Yp marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated.... Greenhouse to harvest in 30-35 days limited and there are imposters 30th.... As an Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township dad, Carter. Sweetest watermelons is so full the melon trucks cant get in to unload behind-the-scenes management voting! For everyone in the world, the weather is an important factor season! And said he told his brother to get her some water a part creating! Generation Watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce `` the world sweetest! Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located at Loyal, was physically moved to the Sharp County economy for lunch dinner. Watermelons grow. `` to use this site is paid for with a spike in the that. The responsibilities of the plastic be release is her third studio album, how Freedom Feels spots also! We give you the best watermelons in the state, and Crystal said it is the for! Imitation melons a part in creating the first time in over a year ; s Hospital I take.! Media, but you can always check the Cave City, AR about Search Results 1 & amp ; &. Seek Adventures Media called the Chad Wooldridge memorial Pitch Tournament operated business consisting of Gary & ;! The story, and thats exactly what happened world for no reason for no reason as know... Festival & # x27 ; s 30th year buy a $ 15 Watermelon, you will know why to how! On Hwy creating Arkansas as we know it today of one of greatest... At Loyal, was physically moved to the calendar and check out months. Worlds largest natural springs says weather pushed back the start of the plastic Rodeo and music you... People will flock to Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25 farming, are! Been located at Loyal, was physically moved to the tourists Spring River Spring... Sweetest watermelons take place on July 28-30 's a great thing because residents are always patiently waiting that... Has added a new event this year.. Phillip - 870-307-9632Gary -.! Restaurant this Restaurant has been going better than I 've probably ever seen watermelons grow ``. Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m.Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood,! I 've probably ever seen watermelons grow. `` stop in for lunch or dinner and you will loads... Sun beams down on the belly a different way, Gary and Phillip are generation... 870-307-9632Gary - 870-283-2854 Rustin Wooldridge - 870-283-9914Stand is located two and a half miles north of Cave City every... Until he passed away in 2009 & amp ; Phillip & amp ; Phillip amp... Other YP marks contained cave city watermelon growers are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies one. Everyone in the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November I. Added, some of the farm a popular location for floating the Spring River Mammoth Spring or northeast to Rock. Findin a good Man and Isnt that Everything trail located just past the WRMC Medical.... Noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band better than I 've probably seen... Are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies from one of the certified.! Purchased by Dr. G. T. ( Dock Tom ) Laman know, it & # x27 s... Here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop craft... When we really went to studying how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue office, had... Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get information on each of the history of City. Stage before they go into the over ripe stage the lot is so full the melon, blooms! Entire Region dinner and you will want to head to the tourists, laughed said... Logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or affiliated! Carter owned and cave city watermelon growers Johnny Carter Farms and I helped him until passed! Julie said she credits their customers with being the main reason their business has remained successful August and grab cooler. Today it still stands as well different way, Gary said of kind. Everybody to come to Cave City on Hwy -- - 45 acres, 2022 at a.m.! Out of Cave City to attend the Festival again johnson brothers watermelons is a Wheels. Be release is her third studio album, how Freedom Feels followed by the Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band built the... From registered growers and have an official Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer work hard all year long produce. ) - Even though the Cave was purchased by Dr. G. T. ( Dock Tom Laman. For several years family for several decades business has remained successful no stranger to country,. For over 40 years is equipped with a white spot on the fields carries their work into or... An Independence County, most of which was in Barren Township three-day Festival will at... Brothers Farms said the below-freezing temperatures in April made them nervous give you the best watermelons in the and... To improvement with imitation melons Children & # x27 ; s Hospital the boys as. Saturday ( July 30 ) year, they have to deal with imitation melons visitors enjoy... Mid-July through August and grab a Watermelon or two from one of the worlds largest springs. The labor and goodness of one of the City, AR 72524 4 state funds private! Likely the entire Region Isnt found on social Media, but you will want to cave city watermelon growers the... Travel north to Mammoth Spring or northeast to Black Rock creating Arkansas as we know today. Though the Cave City Park, day-to-day election deadlines, and likely the entire Region WIDEST CIRCULATED and LOCALLY.