Banana Days a bunch of fun for Melita

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This article was published 12/08/2024 (652 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MELITA — Melita buzzed with excitement over the weekend as the annual Banana Days festival drew hundreds of residents and visitors for a three-day celebration, highlighting the town’s unique identity as Manitoba’s ‘Banana Belt.’

From Friday through Sunday, the festival offered a diverse array of activities, culminating in Saturday’s festivities that drew a particularly large crowd to the iconic Banana Statue site.

When The Sun visited the festival on Saturday, it was evident that the event was in full swing. The sun shone brightly, with a gentle breeze keeping everyone comfortable as seniors, parents, youth, and children enjoyed the many attractions.

Banana Days president Kay Bugg told the Sun she has been instrumental in organizing the event for nearly a decade.

“Our festival has grown, and every year we try to make things bigger and better,” Bugg said. “This year, we’ve seen some great turnout, especially with the fantastic weather on Saturday.”

Although Bugg observed that attendance on Friday night was slightly lower than the previous year, she was optimistic about the weekend’s overall success.

“Friday night attendance was down, but Saturday is typically our busiest day,” she explained. “We’ve got a lot planned, and we’re hopeful for a great turnout.”

Saturday’s events were packed with activities for all ages. The carnival, a major highlight organized by the Banana Days committee, featured everything from jumbo bouncers and a petting zoo, to lawn axe throwing and a fishing pond game. One of the more unique attractions this year was a mullet competition, where participants who had grown out their hair in a classic mullet style competed for cash prizes, judged by local hairdressers.

“We’ve got something for everyone,” Bugg said. “Whether it’s kids enjoying the banana wagon train or adults trying their hand at poker darts, there’s a lot of fun to be had. And the new mullet competition has brought some excitement.”

In addition to the carnival, various events were held throughout Melita, including activities at the local bowling alley, swimming pool, and even a movie screening. The day wrapped up with a tug-of-war competition, one of the festival’s traditional favourites, held near the iconic Banana Statue.

Banana Days is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of Melita’s unique history.

The town earned its nickname as the “Banana Belt” due to its relatively warmer temperatures compared to other parts of the province, she said.

“This distinct identity was cemented with the erection of the giant banana statue, which has since become a beloved symbol of the community and a popular attraction for families from across the region,” Bugg said.

Looking back at last year’s festival, Bugg recalled that about 4,000 to 5,000 people attended over the weekend, with around 1,500 attending on Saturday alone.

“We’re hoping to match or even exceed that this year, but a lot depends on the weather and the farming schedule,” she said. “For a small town like Melita, it’s a big deal to bring so many people together.”

As the weekend ended, the festival continued on Sunday with a car show, drawing even more visitors to the town.

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