Every year the little town of Cave City, Arkansas comes alive with the Cave City Watermelon Festival.
Most towns have their one claim to fame, and with Cave City it's their watermelons.
Cave City is home to the Cave City Watermelon Festival held every year in August. For a town that is usually just a wide spot in the road, Cave City comes to life this time of year.
Cars pack the streets and crowds of people line the sidewalks. And don't even think of trying to get through town during the Watermelon Festival Parade. There is only one street through town, and it's the main highway, which is the town's Main Street.
But who wants to get through town anyway? Park the truck and climb out onto the tailgate and watch the parade. Fan your face while you dream of the free watermelon to be had at the park after the parade.
And there is plenty of watermelon to be found, cold and juicy and free to whoever wants it. Which is just about everyone, and it takes a lot of watermelons to go around!
Fortunately watermelons are not in short supply in Cave City.
Many farmers in the area grow watermelons; several have been at it for years. And, as with the Johnson Brother's Farms and the Carter Farms, watermelon growing can be a family affair.
And many varieties of melons are grown in the fields scattered all around the outskirts of town. Drive in any direction and sooner or later you'll spot a field dotted with melons, of one kind or another. Several roadside stands can be found, from sheds built especially for selling watermelons and other garden produce, to the truck parked in a driveway with the tailgate down; the springs straining under the weight of their heavy load.
So it is not surprising that the whole town gets into the act when it comes time for the Festival. Signs around town announce the dates of the Festival, stores run specials, and contestants line up to compete for the title of Queen Melon. Excitement is in the air, and everyone is waiting for the big day to arrive.
And they are not disappointed when it does. Events begin on Thursday and run all through the weekend. A pancake breakfast on Saturday is a favorite with hot pancakes, lots of sweet syrup and a sunrise that paints Main Street with a warm glow. The rest of the day you'll find food, fun and singing at the park. And then on Saturday they have the big parade, with floats, politicians and beauty queens. Follow the parade over to the park for a day of, singing, political speeches, craft booths, and the Grand Finale; the free watermelon feast!
Sweet, juicy watermelon, fun with friends, and a wonderful summer day in the park. What more could you ask for?
So if you're ever down our way in August, come on over to the park and join us for a little food and fun. And, if anyone asks, don't forget to tell them that Cave City really is the home of the sweetest watermelons in the world!
