WHITING, IN - One very special banana has been recognized in The National Mascot Hall of Fame. Through September 30, the museum’s Department of Mascot Studies Gallery presents “Bobby Banana: Dole’s Healthy-Living Icon for a Hungry World” to chronicle the inception and growth of the banana responsible for inspiring generations of kids and families towards nutritious food choices, and active lifestyles.

“We’ve had many dialogues with the National Mascot Hall of Fame over the years, so to finally see the display christened and welcoming guests is a major thrill—for me, Bobby, and everyone at Dole,” said Bil Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications, Dole. “This day instantly becomes a highlight of our Banana-Versary.”

According to a press release, the Bobby Banana display was timed by the museum to coincide with Dole’s 125th Banana-Versary, a year-long celebration encompassing online, social, promotional, in-store, and other events and activities through 2024.

“While the focus of the National Mascot Hall of Fame has traditionally been on college and professional sports mascots, we can’t help but admire the work of corporate icons like Dole’s Bobby Banana who have helped electrify and inspire progress toward a better, healthier, and more equitable world,” said Karen Anaszewicz, Executive Director, The National Mascot Hall of Fame. “Once we heard about this year’s Dole Banana-Versary, we knew the time was ripe to tell the Bobby Banana story.”

The exhibit was developed with Goldfield and includes a series of illuminated display panels offering information about Bobby Banana, Dole Food Company, and the Banana-Versary, which surrounds the 7-foot yellow banana.

“After years of requests, we have decided to start officially inducting corporate mascots into the museum in 2025 as part of our expanded commitment to telling the full mascot story,” Anaszewicz added. “More details on this exciting evolution for the National Mascot Hall of Fame will be announced soon—so stay tuned!”

Bobby Banana was created by Dole Food Company in 1992 to promote healthy living around the world.

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