Michael Turback, author of The Banana Split Book, greets William John Galvin, one of “Brady” Hazard’s five grandsons. Hazard, of course, is the Wilmington, Ohio, native, whose contribution to Banana Split history is celebrated during the hometown festival. CLICK HERE to see more of the festival.

Restaurant chefs from the Wilmington area competed on the basis of originality, taste, presentation and practicality of restaurant service. Judges were Michael Turback, author of The Banana Split Book, and Chuck Martin, restaurant reviewer for The Cincinnati Enquirer. Winning entry was the Banana Split created by Chef-Owner Bill Kong of Number One China Buffet. CLICK HERE to see more of the competition.

The rules were simple: Finish one Banana Split in the shortest time, without removing the dish from the table. Most contestants bypassed the silverware and went to the face-first approach. Robert Kern, shown here wearing part of his Banana Split, was declared the winner. CLICK HERE to see more of the contest.