Mango Melee is the event of the summer at St. George Village Botanical Gardens. The celebration of local fruit is in full swing with the ripening of the mangos. This year banana varieties were also featured. And the food contests weeded out the mediocre from the best.

	We started out in the Great Hall this year. Viewing the various mangos and fruits before going on to the demonstrations.

	Among the tables of mangos and mango products were the makers of mango products, jellies, jams, chutneys and relishes.

	The theme of mangos and bananas was evident at every table.

	Large fruit and small.

	Chef Wallace Phaire's demonstration taught the audience about cooking with bananas and plantains. Although we think of Musa as a sweet fruit, savory dishes can be made with them, such as the savory banana bean dip.

	At the Bodine Visitor's Center the line was long for the mango tasting. Many mango varieties were available for tasting.

	Back outside to the vendors selling all sorts of locally made products and food. People purchased plants from the nursery and carted them to their cars to later happily plant them at home.

	We went over to the Great Hall again for the judging of the Mango Dis Mango Dat contest. Tasting was involved here as well.

	From one contest to the next. The naming of the leaves of particular trees was made into a contest. How did you do?

	Games for children were conducted on the front lawn.

	It is time to witness another demonstration. Back over the bridge to the Bodine Visitor's Center we go. We pass the face painters, busy at work, on our way.

	A demonstration about how to start a business and aspects to consider when operating a small business was also given. Examples were shown of labeling and bottling and presenting your product.

	Mr. Ferris gave us his demonstration of ice cream making. Samples were given out at the end as well.

	A few shots of the surroundings.

	Walking through the Sweet Lime hedge (closeup of berries), we pass the drinks pavillion and the food and crafts vendors areas.

	Then it was time for the mango eating contests. Youngsters and adults alike competed for bragging rights. The adults with one hand tied behind their backs.

	The crowds gathered for the contest.

	After a slow start due to a last minute substitution, the youth competition began. Each youngster was given five huge mangos to polish off. That's a lot for a little tummy!

	Do we have a smiling winner?

	We have a winner!

	And the crowd gathered again for the adult competition.

	After complaints about a too hard mango were heard, the contest got started.

	Ten mangos, wow! Can you spot the defending champion?

	While others tried to squeeze in one last bite, the champion was named for the third year in a row.