Friday, May 21, 2004
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Honor the Split in Wilmington
By
Alison Momeyer
There are worse things for a town to be known for than ice cream. While it may not be world peace or the origins of baseball, it’s hard to get more satisfying than a well-made banana split. And if it’s ice cream and toppings that you love, then you won’t want to miss the 10th annual Banana Split Festival in Wilmington, Ohio.
One thing before you go -- you’ve also got to love good old 1950s nostalgia. One visit to the official banana split Web site, and it’s clear that alongside all that ice cream and fruit, there are going to be streets lined with souped-up rides with shiny rims. With over 300 classic cars rolling in last year, organizers are expecting even more old-time vehicles this summer. In fact, attendees are encouraged to, “Make plans to bring your car or truck and show it off at the festival. All vehicles are welcome.” Still, judging from the parade of pictures on their Web site, I’m sure they don’t mean that my recent model, already dented family van would have a place at the “Classic Car Cruise-in” that begins Friday, June 11.
Not that I need to introduce controversy to the Banana Split Festival; apparently, it already has a presence at this family-friendly event. Turns out, Latrobe, Pennsylvania also claims to have invented the split. Folks in Wilmington will not be deterred from their claim to fame and went as far in this “food fight” as to invite the grandchildren of the alleged inventor, Ernest Hazard, to the festival several years back. As the story goes, Ernest Hazard, proprietor of Hazard’s restaurant, invented the split in an attempt to lure new customers into his restaurant’s booths. His original recipe included, of course, the banana, along with three scoops of ice cream, a shot of chocolate syrup, a little strawberry jam and some crushed pineapple, all topped with whipped cream and two cherries.
In addition to frozen treats, the festival will feature a street fair with booths filled with crafts and collectibles, pony rides, a climbing wall, food booths (of the non-frozen variety), a banana-spilt bandstand talent contest and free music.
On Friday, June 11, musical guests will be the Van-Dells. Performing free at 8:00 p.m., festival go-ers can shake it to the tunes of this much-beloved group (perhaps making more room for another split…). Blending tight harmonies, choreography, and a blend of comedy to music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Van Dells have been called the nation's #1 "rock n' roll review. On Saturday, June 12 at 8:00 p.m., Phil Dirt presents a tribute concert to America’s original boy band: the Beach Boys.
Live it up! Unless you’re planning to travel to Latrobe, the Banana Split Festival only happens once a year. Where else can you combine high-calorie, high-energy fun with classic cars and some do-whop? Time Warner Cable is a proud sponser of the 10th annual Banana Split Festival.
Alison Momeyer is a freelance writer working amidst the chaos produced by
her five-year-old daughter and three-year-old twin boys.
