The nation’s only Banana Split Festival pays homage to simpler times with rock ‘n’ roll, cruise ins, crafts and rides were the ultimate in family entertainment. Kicking off this Friday, June 12th from 4-10pm and Sat from 10am – 10pm, the festival, hosted by local Rotary clubs, donates all the proceeds to charity.
For directions and more check the BananaSplitFestival website.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
In downtown Wilmington, there used to be a restaurant called Hazard’s. The proprietor of the restaurant was Ernest Hazard. Like most merchants in Wilmington today he wanted to find a way to attract the students of Wilmington College to come to his restaurant.
It was a very blustery winter in 1907, so business was slow and the employees didn’t have a whole lot of work to do. So Hazard decided that a good way to get some business was to create a new dish that was so unique everyone would want to try it. So he offered to furnish unlimited ingredients to the employees and have a contest to see who could come up with the most unusual dish.
Surprisingly enough, the winner of the contest was Ernest Hazard. He took a long dessert dish, arranged a peeled banana and three scoops of ice cream in it, and added a shot of chocolate syrup, a little strawberry jam, and a few bits of pineapple. On top of this, he sprinkled some ground nuts, and garnished his invention with a mountain of whipped cream and two red cherries on its peak.
Festival goers will still enjoy the many food booths and craft and collectible booths promoting the 50s and 60s, a classic car cruise in, games for the entire family, and free entertainment. But the highlight for most will be the “build your own” banana split booth.
Friday’s Entertainment Schedule:
Pony rides start at 4pm and run all weekend
4 – 7:30 –OSU Buckeye Mobile Tour
Travels throughout the State of Ohio engaging fans through interactive games, activities, Buckeye-branded vehicles and inflatables. Don’t miss the ‘Buckeye Experience’ at the Banana Split Festival. No charge for this event.
4-5:45pm Rewind – The band is composed of friends, classmates and family who share a common bond for the love of music from the golden oldie years of the 50’s, 60’s and a little of the classic country sounds.
6- 7:50pm Par 5, featuring Fathead Davis – An American roots singer-songwriter steeped in R&B, soul, and gospel
8-10pm Brent Keith Band – Country Heartland Rock
Saturday Schedule:
9am – 5K run starts
11am – 12:25pm – Heavy Medicine – Powerhouse blues, funk, soul and rock ban
12:20-1:30pm – The Folks – A two man act made up of Ben Schaad and George Carrington both of Wilmington
Noon: Classic Car Show
1:30-3:30pm Sawgrass -High energy bluegrass quartet
4pm – Banana Split Eating Contest – In th
e pavillion.
Three divisions: Adult, Teens & Kids
5:30 – 7:20pm Cheap Thrill – The Cheap Thrill Band- a 3 Piece Classic Rock band covering the songs of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, first got its start back in the 80’s.
7:30-8:15pm Blue Steel – Playing classic rock favorites from the 70’s & 80’s
8:15-8:30pm Car Show Awards
8:30-10pm Blue Steel closes out the festival
