Every day is the Fourth of July and Memorial Day at Dan Nicholas Park.

Pass the watermelon.

What about another cantaloupe?

Grab that bunch of bananas.

It’s feeding time at the Nature Center and the critters are eating off the top of the produce wagon.

A problem with a tractor-trailer load of bananas at the Food Lion produce warehouse in Salisbury started a pipeline of free goodies for the animals in the Nature Center at Dan Nicholas.

“It’s the best thing we’ve had in years, “ said Bob Pendergrass, supervisor of the Nature Center. “It’s worked out great.”

About three weeks ago, a company shipped the load of bananas to Food Lion. For various reasons, it didn’t pass muster.

The company didn’t want the bananas back, and asked Food Lion to give them away or dispose of them.

Jim Burris, a member of the Rowan Parks and Recreation Commission who works at Food Lion, quickly thought of the Nature Center.

He suggested that Food Lion contact the Parks Department.

Bob Smith of Food Lion made the call that opened the pipeline.

The parks department got more bananas than the animals could eat, but also worked a deal to get fresh produce twice weekly.

The produce is first class, fresher than when it arrives in the supermarket.

Food Lion staff checks each shipment by cutting or making incisions. The items that are tested can’t be sold.

Nikki and Lollie, the nearly 30-year-old bears at the Nature Center, are reported to be very happy.

“Nothing makes a bear happier than food,” said Pendergrass.

The Center’s raccoon and deer are sharing in the bounty. It includes all sorts of great stuff: watermelons, cantaloupes, bananas, greens and apples.

The animals aren’t interested in radishes, onions, peppers and other spicy items. “There’s no fiery palates here,” said Pendergrass.

The goodies also have the park officials smiling.

“It’s all free,” said Pendergrass.

During a meeting of the Parks Commission earlier this week, officials pointed out that the food budget is one of the biggest costs for the center.

Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette@salisburypost.com .