The 30th anniversary of “Banana Split in the Park” on Saturday will feature the biggest banana split to date — 650 feet of bananas, ice cream and toppings. “This year, the Banana Split in the Park even is more that just a banana split. It is a banana split festival,” said Courtney Roberts, Standley Park and Recreation Center representative. The annual summer neighborhood activity held in Standley Park and Recreation Center will feature free live entertainment by the Bayou Brothers, a magic show and, of course, the chance to cool off from the summer heat with a colossal sweet treat. The milestone event will also feature a fun activity zone for kids, including a rock-climbing wall, jumpers, a bungee trampoline, face painting and crafts. The Swanson Pool will also be open for a quick cool-down dip from 4 to 7 p.m. Following the consumption of the enormous dessert, a free twilight showing of the animated film “Despicable Me” will take place as part of the countywide Summer Movies in the Park program. Thirty years ago, Standley Park director Steve Lyons decided to hold the first “Banana Split in the Park” at the newly dedicated center after attending a similar event in Mission Viejo. Then-recreation council president Jorgan Heimburger offered to provide the ice cream to make the event a success. The tradition has not only lived on — it has culminated into an event that families, volunteers and coordinators look forward to every summer. Since “Banana Split in the Park” began in 1981, the sweet treat has ranged in size from 200 to 600 feet, and attendance has varied from 300 to 1,000 participants. This year, the record-breaking banana split is anticipated to attract 1,000 to 2,000 participants. “This event is not possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers and staff,” said Roberts. “We anticipate most of them returning for this big anniversary.” The dessert and movie event will take place at Standley Park and Recreation Center, located at 3585 Governor Drive, on Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bananas. Ice cream and toppings will be provided by sponsors, including the Standley Park Recreation Council, the Heimburger family and the University City Community Association. For more information about “Banana Split in the Park,” visit www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/standley- .shtml, or call (858) 552-1652.