Reasons you can’t miss the 25th Banana Split Festival this weekend

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

For those of you who need a reason to cheat on your summer diets, look no further. The Banana Split Festival turns 25 this year, and it will not disappoint. The two-day festival honors the heat of the summer by providing delicious sweet treats and events galore.

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Here are 6 (of the many) reasons you can’t miss the Banana Split Festival:

1. Banana Splits and ice cream, duh.

Event-goers can splurge on mounds of ice cream and build their very own banana splits. The split booth offers so many choices, you may spend the day in a food coma instead of enjoying the rest of the festival. There’s even a banana split eating contest if you’re daring enough to take part in the madness.

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2. Show off your dance moves

Local talent will keep everyone movin’ and groovin’. This year’s festivities will include live music from Blue Steel, Ben Schaad and George Carrington, Hadden Sayers Band, Flash Back, The McCartney Project, The Babys, The Hitchhikers Band, and PASSION.

3. Classic car show

Calling all car swooners, the cruise-in you’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. The show is expected to bring in more than 100 classic cars and judges are ready to hand out the trophies. The top cars will be presented trophies starting at 4:45 p.m.

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4. Vendors galore

Whether you’re looking for crafts, art or collectibles, there will be plenty of shopping at the festival. We also can’t forget the food vendors, including food trucks, stands and mobile carts.

5. Run for a cause

Kick off the fun at the eighth annual Heather’s Hope Lickety-Split 5k run at 9 a.m. on Saturday. All ages are welcome to participate. Proceeds will go towards Heather’s Hope Diabetes Foundation to help those affected in Clinton County.

6. Big Banana Baseball

Compete in this baseball tournament to win the title of “Big Banana.” Many age groups can participate, and the 1st and 2nd place teams in each age group will receive trophies.

Want to go?

WHEN: Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8

HOURS: Friday 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE: 1100 Rombach Ave., Wilmington.

COST: Free. Donations are accepted

INFO: Website

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