When was the last time you enjoyed a banana split? For me, It was probably high school when I worked for a local ice cream shop, Fent’s Dairy.
So, when I noticed the Banana Split Festival in Wilmington, Ohio, I was excited to make the short drive to celebrate this delicious dessert in the town where it was invented. This year the event was scheduled to take place from June 8 – 9, 2018.
I arrived downtown and there were several signs directing me towards Denver Williams Park. I passed through a torrential thunderstorm but the skies were clearing up as I arrived at the park 10 minutes outside of town.
Complimentary golf carts were waiting in the parking lot to transport guests to the festival. Vendors were still setting up and displaying their products as I entered. Carnival food stalls were offering deep fried vegetables, pork tenderloins and Bourbon BBQ. I couldn’t decide where to start.
I made a stop at the banana split buffet tent but they had not finished setting up. The attendant asked that I come back in 15 minutes which allowed me more time to browse the remaining stalls and attractions.
From pizza to hot dogs, Texas tenderloins and cotton candy, there were plenty of options. I had my mind set on a corn dog, but decided on an order of deep fried vegetables trying to convince myself this was a much healthier choice. I had to leave room for my “make it myself” banana split.
The band “Rewind” was setting up and preparing to play for the evening. They were testing out their microphones and checking the sound system when I strolled towards the open field where visitors were setting up their chairs. From the town of Circleville, the band plays cover songs from the 60’s to the 90s and have a few of their own originals.
There were plenty of carnival games where the children could win prizes and an enclosed area where the kids could pay a small fee to ride a pony.
I arrived back at the banana split pavilion in time for the shelter house to open. I was handed a ticket to enter and gave the attendant my order for an original banana split. A banana at the bottom of the plastic boat, three scoops of vanilla ice cream, strawberry, pineapple and chocolate syrup toppings, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry on top. I replaced the nuts for sprinkles to brighten it up.
I took a seat at one of the picnic tables and read over the brochure and learned the local story about the banana split. According to the town of Wilmington, this dessert was the creation of Ernest Hazard who owned a local restaurant in town. It was winter in 1907 when he set out to create a way to bring in students from Wilmington College. With unlimited food ingredients, he challenged his employees to come up with a recipe of their own. But it would be Ernest himself that would end up being the winner of his own contest with his fabulous dessert would become popular the world over, known as the banana split.
The brochure also explained that in addition to the food, shows and crafts, visitors can also enjoy a car show and baseball tournament. You may even want to sign up for the banana split eating contest held here each year.
Sponsored by the Wilmington Rotary Clubs, the Banana Split Festival is held annually in Wilmington, Ohio each June. This was their 22nd year, full of activities and events. To learn more about the festival, visit their website at www.bananasplitfestival.com. Many thanks for reading about the Banana Split Festival and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
The Banana Split Festival
Denver Williams Park
1100 Rombach Road
Wilmington, OH 45177
Where to Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington
201 Holiday Dr.
Wilmington, OH 45177
Telephone: 937 382 4400
Where to Eat:
You can choose to eat the fair-style food at the Banana Split Festival or check out some of the local restaurants.
Mediterranean Restaurant
53 East Main Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
Telephone: 937 382 6300
We went searching for a pizza place and found The Mediterranean Restaurant, offering calzones, pastas, salads and more!
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