Cave City’s watermelons aren’t touted as the sweetest in the world for no reason. One bite into one of these sweet, juicy melons makes it worth the trip.
The rich, sandy soil that is exclusive to the 20-mile-radius surrounding Cave City is what gives the melons such a sweet flavor. So much so that Cave City’s watermelons are celebrated each year at the annual Cave City Watermelon Festival.
Celebrating its 40th year, the 2019 Cave City Watermelon Festival officials are looking to draw thousands into Cave City for the celebration. This three-day event will be held July 25-27th and will include entertainment, a 5K run, pancake breakfast, parade, activities for kids and adults, and of course, a free melon feast, which is courtesy of the watermelon growers in the area.
There will also be a prize melon auction, and the proceeds will be donated to a charity. In 2017, the Cave City Watermelon Festival was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame by the Department of Arkansas Heritage.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lacy, 34, spent most of her life in the hills of Lawrence County. Today, she lives in Cave City, the home of “World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” in what’s known as the Prince Matlock house. Its former owner helped create what’s known as the Cave Courts where the city’s cave lies above the Crystal River. He fashioned his home out of the same rocks and materials that are found among the cave’s property, and she feels blessed to now be its caretaker for many more years to come.