The books have officially closed on the 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, and organizers say this year’s celebration will be remembered as one of the biggest and most successful in the festival’s history.
An estimated record crowd filled downtown Cave City throughout the three-day festival, drawing thousands of visitors from across Arkansas and neighboring states to celebrate the community’s rich agricultural heritage while enjoying one of the Natural State’s premier summer festivals.
ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations were proud to broadcast live Friday from the center of the 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, bringing the sights, sounds and excitement of the celebration to listeners across Timeless 106.1 KFFB, The Bull 105.7 KBGB, KWCK 99.9, Cool 104.7 & 99.1 and Cowboy Country 100.7 KEAZ. Leading the live coverage were Cave City’s native Bob Connell (Always wears his Watermelon shirt) and Cave City’s native Ben Johnson, along with Greg Geary and Hot Rod Todd Scott, broadcasting from the Sonic Drive-In with host and owner Rickey Davis Evening Shade native, and Jeremy Adams of Sonic. Throughout the day, the team welcomed festival-goers, interviewed local leaders, sponsors, entertainers and special guests, providing listeners across North Central Arkansas with comprehensive coverage of one of the state’s largest and most celebrated summer festivals.
A new feature for the 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, the “Sweetest Shuttle” made an impressive debut by providing free rides throughout the weekend, giving festival-goers a convenient way to enjoy every corner of the celebration while reducing parking and traffic concerns.
Visitors packed the streets for live entertainment, carnival rides, family activities, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food and, of course, Cave City’s world-famous sweet watermelons.
Record Attendance Marks Historic Weekend
Festival officials say attendance reached record levels as families traveled to Cave City for a weekend filled with entertainment, hometown hospitality and the community’s signature agricultural tradition.
One of the weekend’s biggest highlights came during the annual Charity Watermelon Auction, where generous bidders helped raise an impressive $17,000.
The proceeds will remain in the local community, benefiting area food pantries and other charitable programs that provide assistance to families throughout the year.
Largest Parade in Festival History
Saturday’s Cave City Watermelon Festival Parade became the largest parade in the festival’s 46-year history, featuring community organizations, businesses, classic vehicles, floats, civic groups and marching entries as thousands lined Main Street to celebrate another successful festival.
Earlier in the day, visitors enjoyed the festival’s famous Free Watermelon Feast, continuing one of the community’s most cherished traditions by serving Cave City’s renowned sweet watermelon to thousands of attendees.
Sammy Kershaw Closes Out Festival
Saturday evening concluded with one of the festival’s largest concert crowds ever as country music star Sammy Kershaw performed before an estimated 8,000 people, bringing the weekend to a memorable close.
The concert capped off an outstanding entertainment lineup that also featured Confederate Railroad on Friday night, drawing music fans from throughout the region.
Festival Director Thanks the Community
Cave City Watermelon Festival Director Amy Finster praised the community for making this year’s festival such a tremendous success.
“The 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is officially over, and this year’s event was one for the record books,” Finster said. “The Festival Committee extends a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, vendor, entertainer, watermelon grower, farmer and everyone who attended and helped make this year’s festival such a tremendous success.”
Finster also encouraged those who attended to continue sharing in the memories of the festival.
“If you weren’t able to make it, or if you’d like to relive some of your favorite moments, be sure to follow the Cave City Watermelon Festival Facebook page. Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing contest winners, photos, videos and many of the special memories captured throughout the weekend.”
With another successful festival complete, organizers have already begun planning for the 47th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, continuing one of Arkansas’ most beloved summer traditions.
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