These include learning optimal plant and row spacing and the biggest innovation since the beginning utilizing irrigation techniques. (KAIT) - The Cave City Watermelon Festival is getting closer. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000. 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 festival is the largest in the region. After the plant sets the melon, or blooms, it is ready to harvest in 30-35 days. Mr. Carpenter retrieved many of the Indian relics from the cave and built a museum of sorts which housed these relics on the walkway into the entrance of the cave. "Sometimes they do and they have for as long as I can remember," he said. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. Everything about this festival is a sheer delight, from the pickle juice drinking contest to the Lil Gherkins kids play zone. Phillip added, We are not just selling a product. "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 . The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. 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. CAVE CITY, Ark. Many exterior shots for the show were filmed in the city and fans may recognize some of the shots. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. how to tie a cherry stem with ones tongue. Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. The cave supplied the drinking water for the local school, as well as serving as a veritable town refrigerator. Many families stored their milk, butter, and other produce in the cool cave to prevent them from spoiling. For Food Vendor Inquiries call Andrea @ 870-283-5301, For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ craftmelonvendor@yahoo.com, For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195For Entertainment Inquiries call Tyler @ 870-283-4877, To become a sponsor call Julie @ 870-307-9631, Copyright 2022, Cave City Watermelon Festival. Momma Gs If you havent grabbed a bite to eat yet, you dont want to miss out on Momma Gs home cooking. For Wooldridge, its not his first rodeo. Below is a list of the fun, unique food festivals and eating opportunities taking place in July 2023. 167 North of Cave City. The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. 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. The annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is like a homecoming for some and a chance make new friends and feast on city's renowned melons for others. The World's Sweetest Watermelons. J.W. For Craft & Commercial Vendor Inquiries email Hana @ For Volunteer Opportunities call Robin @ 870-283-1195 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. Brothers, Gary and Phillip are 3rd generation watermelon growers. 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 She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. From July 29-31, hundreds of people will flock to Cave City to attend the festival for the first time in. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. The owner of Cave City Produce Company is not doing anything illegal. Organizers and growers say theyve worked harder to prepare for this years festival. No one picks the watermelons but Gary and Phillip. Cave City watermelon growers warn against knockoffs Cave City, Arkansas KAIT Region 8 News: It doesn't quite feel like summertime in Sharp County until the Cave City watermelons hit the stands and that happened this past week. It wasnt until the late 1990s that the Johnson Brothers began utilizing irrigation techniques in their fields. To contact our registered growers, check:. watermelon-growers games at 3 p.m., a . My grower of choice is Johnson Brothers and I can find all of the latest information regarding availability right on their Facebook page. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy are headlining the 2023 festival. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. The Johnson Brothers utilize a waterwheel transplanter for this part of the production. People dont have to have watermelons to live. She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Not necessarily "scare-your-pants-off" adventure but the kind where you seek out new and exciting things. 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 boys did as any good sons would and began to take on the responsibilities of the farm. The merchandise changes regularly, but if you check in often, you can find your favorite products at deep discounts. The profits from the crop later paid Phillips way through college. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. The Watermelon Parade is at 10 a.m. Live music begins at noon and features Deadwood Grove, followed by The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band. Years of hard work, dedication, innovation and building a brand has put them at the top of the crop in Cave City watermelon production for nearly a half century. Spring Dipper Cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Spring Dipper. A cross-section of the Crookneck heirloom watermelon, an indigenous watermelon whose seeds were recovered from an abandoned cave in Arizona. Panhandlewatermelon.com - , Xranks. Historic Places There are seven properties on the National Register of Historic Places located in Evening Shade. (800) 458-4756 Read more. Many of these families moved to that area from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, etc., and settled along the creeks and waterways in the more temperate climates away from the mosquitoes and malaria of Eastern Arkansas. Jonas Anderson - Mayor of Cave City - orilla vallie stage 12:00pm: Live Music: Deadwood Groove - orilla vallie stage Thankfully, that changed once we finally shook winter and headed into May. There should be enough melons for the 36th annual Cave City Watermelon Festival. The annual watermelon festival, which draws thousands to the town each year, is scheduled for July 26-28. All rights reserved. Celebrating the world's sweetest Watermelons since 1980! At 5 p.m., the Prize Melon Auction to benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital will kick off . 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. That is what is so amazing, the last few years, people come to us and we dont take that for granted. Phillip Johnson. And if you are coming from anywhere in Arkansas, it can be a bit of a haul. 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. Gary, laughed and said he told his brother to get her some water. 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. Celebrating its 43rd year, the 2023 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers spearheaded the one-of-a-kind event for decades. Cave City Watermelon Festival. Held each year since 1980, Charles and Anita Landers have spearheaded this celebration of the town and its rich history of producing the world's best watermelons. 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. 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. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. It hasnt always been easy. So bring your family and lawn chairs and celebrate the labor and goodness of one of the greatest contributors to the Sharp County economy. 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! The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. 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. No matter which path you choose from Cave City, have fun yall and do the watermelon crawl. 4:00pm: Free Watermelon Feast - Behind Melon stage. 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. 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 . Cave City bills itself as having the worlds sweetest watermelons. Find out for yourself July 29-31 during the 41st annual Watermelon Festival, which offers three days packed full of fun and entertainment for the entire family.Activities include a children's fishing derby, 5K run, car show, pancake breakfast, parade, school alumni reunion, speed eating contest, seed . 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. Today it still stands as the oldest motor court of its kind in the state, and likely the entire region. 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. 167 and 115. The Watermelon Growers Games will commence at 3 p.m. with a watermelon . The three-day festival will take place on July 28-30. After the harvest, pulling of the plastic and planting grass on the fields carries their work into October or November. 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