Powhatan Historic State Park Powhatan State Park celebrates the once-thriving community of Powhatan from its heyday as a port on the Black River. To return to the calendar and check out other months, click here. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip. Travel east/northeast out of Cave City along AR-230 and AR-25. . Watermelons - Schedule your trip for mid-July through August and grab a watermelon or two from one of the registered growers. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have our registered trademark sticker. Meachams Family Restaurant This restaurant has been around for over 40 years. Cave City Watermelon Festival | Cave City AR Visitors can view their work with paddlefish, sturgeon, Gulf Coast Striped Bass, walleye, and smallmouth bass. 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 But with every good thing comes some form of negative issue. 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. "Then you can always contact that grower with the information that's on there and give a call and say 'hey, we picked this up at this place is this legitimate?'". You can also learn more about her writing on her site Seek Adventures Media. In addition to coffee, you can munch on breakfast and lunch selections as you head through town. One of the earliest churches was the Flat Rock Methodist Church, established in 1858. The Cave City Watermelon Grower stickers with the growers name assure customers they are getting genuine Cave City melons. Byrd signed to MCA Nashville Records in 1992, breaking through on the country music scene that year with his 1993 single Holdin Heaven, which reached number one on Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks. Cave City seems in the middle of nowhere. As soon as the summer sun beams down on the South, families make their way to lakes and rivers to cool off. As the festival inches closer, melons are flying off of stands just as quickly as growers are putting them there. 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. J.W. 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. 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). Jul 29, 2022Cave City Watermelons, Hunter Bros Melons Hunter Brothers Watermelons- Jonathan and Justin Hunter Main Street in Cave City. Order with an open mind, and you will enjoy an explosion of flavor like youve never had before. Digital Marketing and Design - The Richland Group. To contact our registered growers,. 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 tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. The first mayor was J. T. Harrell, with W. A. Meacham as recorder. file size: 5 MB. 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. The town celebration of the Fourth of July continued for many years, but fell out of favor in the last few decades. Johnson said people passing off other watermelons as those from Cave City is not a new problem. 71 were here. Copyright 2018KAIT. Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). These green rinded beauties are an iconic piece of many summer family get togethers. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. 5 . Gary laughed at his tenacity, admitting sometimes stubborn streaks arent all good. Cave City has held the tradition of celebrating the "world's sweetest watermelons" by holding a watermelon festival every summer since 1980. 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. As one of Chicagos largest summer attractions since its founding in 1980, The Taste consistently draws over 1 million people, though at its peak it has drawn nearly 4 million, all of them there to sample food from a variety of restaurants from across the city. 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. So many interesting treasures are held within these walls. "Grew better than I've probably ever seen watermelons grow.". Phillip went on to explain that in the early days it was hard to sell a watermelon. 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. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Childrens Hospital. They proudly stand behind every melon they sell. The prize melon auction is at 5 p.m. and benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital. Cave Citys watermelons arent touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. Phillip spoke of his grandfathers stubborn nature, a trait that at least, in part, led to the success and longevity of his business being carried through to his son and grandsons. For the town that boasts the sweetest watermelon in the world, the weather is an important factor each season. Click here to learn how owner Marc Herring overcame adversity during the pandemic, then stop by and shop the craft mall. Main Street Mammoth Spring The bustling Main street area is filled with shops and restaurants for whatever you are in the mood for. They talked about their deep history of farming melons, the challenges, triumphs and even some humorous tales. CAVE CITY, Ark. Authors Note: Some locations may have altered hours, service or be temporarily closed due to Covid. So, were hitting the road searching for an official Cave City watermelon and checking out some other sites along the way. 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. 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. Grab a cooler and gas up the tank because we are heading out in search of good eats, unique treasures and scenic vistas. The Hunter Brothers are located in Cave City. Only genuine Cave City Watermelons have the registered trademark sticker. This included transplanting. Its a big deal.. Watermelon Festival - The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. To contact our registered growers, check:. Live music begins at 5:45 p.m. with Anna Brinker, followed by Dixon Street and Tracy Byrd. Since their watermelon are known across the state and even the country, a problem farmers often face are imposters. But one common seed is the craving for the fruit of summer the watermelon. It hasnt always been easy. Growers Cave City Watermelon Festival . CAVE CITY, Ark. 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. They carry a little bit of everything from toys to farm supplies, hunting gear and more. Additionally, there are several big events with live music throughout the year. They host weekly rodeos with events for everyone in the family every Friday night. . The watermelon growers work hard all year long to produce the festival watermelons and proudly stand behind every melon they sell. Evening Shade is small but gained some popularity in the 90s when it was the setting for the television show of the same name starring Burt Reynolds. You will pass through the towns of Strawberry, Lynn, Powhatan and Black Rock. While contestants are toting in their entries for the Prize Melon competition at the park, the White River Family Fun "Wet Zone" with waterslides starts at 6 p.m. and goes until dark in the softball field. 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. Cave City's registered growers plan to keep the town's tradition alive, and start preparing for the 41st Watermelon festival. Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups and Tourism, Auto & Motorcycle Sales, Service, Tires & More, Chambers, Schools, Towns, Counties, Groups & Tourism. Before implementing irrigation, Phillip explained, We spent lots of quality time with that garden hoe. He admitted he was very picky about how it was done. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri. More than 9 million gallons of water flow from it each hour filling a 10-acre lake and flowing into the Spring River. Cave City also has multiple banks, medical offices and pharmacy, a grocery store, several convenience stores government offices and Cave City Nursing Home. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. The machine is equipped with a spike in the center that makes a hole in the plastic. 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. 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. Roadside stands are found throughout the city. The Cave City Watermelon Festival is held every July over three days. In those days, an average grower planted about 30 acres. Visit www.ozarkgateway.com for more area information. W South St. . 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. by Themeansar, Johnson Brothers For the love of watermelons, Sharp County public service entities receive nearly $1.36 million from American Rescue Plan, NO!! They bring with them lots of experience. 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. It is about an event, about happiness. It has grown exponentially each year since the new board took over. Its the perfect country supply store. Cave City melons have "Genuine" stickers, too. 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. Its crazy because theres so many different components to it.. 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. 2023 Ozark Gateway. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the . One thing the city does to try and avoid this problem is that all certified Cave City watermelon growers put a sticker on their melons to show where they are from. It is located two and a half miles North of Cave City on Hwy. Watermelon Festival The 2022 Cave City Watermelon Festival is sure to delight. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. The Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page recently posted how to know if it's a genuine Cave City watermelon versus an imposter. Far Out & Funky This fun antique store wears its name well! 167. To contact our registered growers, check:. Thankfully for the organizers of the wildly popular Windy City Smokeout, fans of barbecue and fans of country music are often one in the same. 167 and 115. The towns population began to be drawn to the larger area of Walnut Ridge and further declined when the highway was built 2 miles outside of town. Other students moved into town and boarded with family, friends, or in boarding houses which were made available to entice more students to the school. 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. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Big Creek Man Cave Whether you are looking for sporting goods, ammo, hunting for a rare book, or just seeking a cool find Big Creek Man Cave is the place to shop. | Privacy Policy This site is paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. This is a skillset that has been continually improved upon by the Johnsons since the 1920s. She says the festival will still go on as planned. Growing watermelons has run in the family for several decades. All Rights Reserved. We made a little money and have been doing it ever since, Gary said. All rights reserved. 4,446 were here. They were beautiful hot plants. 20/07/2019 . 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. You have to go back and replant and you get different sizes and the plants are at different phases, Phillip explained. 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. Brothers Jonathan and Justin Hunter are the newest and youngest registered Cave City Watermelon Growers. Tracy Byrd Here is the complete schedule, Check Cave City Watermelon Festival website for updates before travel Thursday - July 29 5:00 PM 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. Click here to return to The Takeouts 2023 Eats Calendar. Through the years, they have learned which planting techniques provide the best yield. 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. 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 . Johnson Brothers' Watermelon Patch, 2018 (Photo by Chad Graves). 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! 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