Southern Standard swarmed by customers
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To celebrate the beginning of summer, and to show appreciation to our customers, tray after tray of those gooey, delicious concoctions were distributed to visitors at no charge.
“The Banana Day activity is a way for us to let our customers know just how much we appreciate them,” said advertising director Sharon Patrick. “It started out as a promo for our advertisers, a good summer promotion for them. It has now escalated to all departments of the newspaper.”
In its fourth year, Banana Day has grown to include a special magazine section, printed on yellow paper, featuring stories relating to bananas, ad promotions and prize giveaways for visitors, all with a banana theme.
This year over 50 gallons of vanilla ice cream was consumed, over 350 bananas sliced and many, many bottles of chocolate sauce, pineapples and cherries were consumed and thoroughly enjoyed.
“We served approximately 870 banana splits today,” said Patrick. “Our staff and volunteers worked diligently for hours preparing them.”
Customers Geneva Ferrell and Jo Madge Simpson devoured their banana split as they caught up on old times. It was the first Banana Day for the ladies and they vowed that it will not be the last.
“It’s very nice of the Standard to do this. A nice treat for a hot day. I love my paper and read every issue,” said Ferrell.
Banana splits are delicious anytime, but they take on a special flavor when you don’t have to dig in your wallet to pay for one. Visitor Wilbur Wiser alluded to that fact when he was asked if he was enjoying his banana split. He replied, “It’s delicious, but there’s not much of it!”
But he seemed pleased that what there was didn’t cost him a cent!
PHOTO CUTLINES:
CENTER RIGHT: Happy Hatters member Darlene Williams chows down on a banana split.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Kara Campbell gets messy.
TOP LEFT: 4-H Dairy Princess Sarah Colangione serves at Banana Day.
CENTER LEFT: A unique floral arrangement resembling a banana split graces the table.
TOP RIGHT: From left, Debi Rockwell and Chelsea Rockwell look on as Lisa Edwards offers her 2-week-old son Sean a cherry. The little guy doesn’t really look that interested, preferring to nap instead.
BOTTOM LEFT: Young volunteers, from left, Sara Buckner, Tristan Young and Tess Fryar assist the Standard’s circulation director Bill Cathcart with the making of banana splits.
(Margaret Hobbs and Charles W. Johnson photos)