Banana Pudding & Quilts Highlight Centerville Festival

Historic Centerville is getting ready for its annual celebration of one of the South’s favorite desserts-Banana Pudding. The 5th Annual National Banana Pudding Festival will take place Oct. 4 & 5 at the beautiful Centerville River Park. The event is the 2013 Kaleidoscope Ward winner for “Best Festival”. Saturday morning will feature the live on-stage National Banana Pudding Cook-off where the nation’s best banana pudding will be selected. Favorites like the Puddin’ Path and puddin’ eating contest will be back, as well as craft vendors, great food and musical entertainment. The “Little Nanners” kid’s area offers several games along with a petting zoo and pony rides. New to this year’s festival is “Banana Land” which will have several inflatables for all ages, a zero gravity ride and a mechanical bull, plus this year the festival is introducing a talent contest on Sunday. Hours are Saturday from 9 to 6 and Sunday from Noon to 5 and admission is $5 for school age and up. Active Duty Military members get in free with ID.

However, the weekend is not just about banana pudding. Hundreds of quilts will blanket the Centerville First Baptist Church for the 9th Annual Hickman County Quilt Show with the theme “Salute to Liberty.” Approximately 200 quilts from antique to contemporary will be on display and the show will take place Friday, Oct. 3, Noon-6 and Saturday, Oct. 4, 9-4:30. Folks who love to create quilts and those who enjoy the creative quilting work of others will find plenty of entertainment at this two-day show. There is ample parking available for both events and free shuttle service is available. Find out more by calling 931-994-NBPF (6273) or visit www.bananapuddingfest.org. Contact the quilt show at 931-729-4464.