The Chattanooga Zoo will host its annual Banana Ball event on Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Zoo’s location at 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. We will also be bringing back our 5th annual Banana Split event, just for kids.
"The day’s activities will kick start with our Banana Split event beginning at 2 p.m. All children ages three and up are invited to come enjoy a special presentation by our special guest, Julie Scardina, and her animal friends. We will also offer face painting, a bounce house, goody bags, animal encounters, and sweet banana treats," officials said.
This event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 15. Ms. Scardina's presentation will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and are available online now.
The Banana Ball event will begin that evening with a special VIP Meet and Greet with Ms. Scardina. For those interested in getting to spend time with the celebrity guest, tickets are available for purchase at $150 each. The VIP ticket includes admission to the Banana Ball as well as a private VIP reception beginning at 5:30 p.m.
"From 6:30-11 p.m., guests will experience a special evening at the Zoo while enjoying a presentation by Julie Scardina, up close animal encounters, dinner catered by Lee Towery, live music provided by Surround Sound Band, an open bar, and a cigar bar providing signature hand rolled cigars. All for the special low price of only $75. Banana Ball guests will also have the chance to experience animal paintings, “adopt” their favorite Zoo animal, and learn about the Chattanooga Zoo’s capital campaign, 'Reaching Great Heights,'" officials said.
Having begun her career working together with species ranging from sea lions and dolphins to killer whales, Ms. Scardina serves as a zoological corporate curator and animal ambassador for SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove, responsible for many zoological programs ranging from animal training and ambassador animal outreach. She also discusses all aspects of animals and wildlife issues in appearances both in and outside the parks and monthly on NBC’s “Today Show.” Previously Ms. Scardina appeared regularly on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and Jack Hanna’s “Animal Adventures,” discussing wildlife and conservation.
The Banana Ball is the Chattanooga Zoo’s signature event with all proceeds going directly towards the Zoo’s capital campaign to bring giraffe to Chattanooga.
"Banana Ball is our most anticipated fundraising event of the year,” Darde Long, executive director of the Zoo said. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy a magical evening at the Zoo to benefit a great cause.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 423-697-1322 or visit www.chattzoo.org/events/banana-ball. The Banana Ball and VIP Reception are 21 and older events only.
Banana Ball and Banana Split 2016 sponsors are:
Athens Distribution, Billingsley Architecture, Carter Distributing, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Cold Stone Creamery, Gault & Associates, Inc., J. Smith Lanier & Co., Moon Pie, Nooga.com, Patten and Patten, Inc., Sunny 92.3, Noogavision, Johnson Group, Tubatomic, EPB Fiber Optics, FSG Bank, First Tennessee Bank, Playcore, Double Tree Hotel, Jaguar of Chattanooga, Twice the Ice, Blush Magazine, Scenic Outdoor Media, Pediatric Dentistry of Chattanooga, State Farm Insurance, Wendy’s, Memorial Hospital, Mathnasium of Chattanooga, Advance Financial, J103, Warren & Griffin P.C., EarthFare, and Inova Payroll.