A special tribute was held at Cypress Gardens on March 30, 2008 to honor and thank “Banana” George Blair for his contributions to water skiing and Cypress Gardens. George's former “boss” Cypress Gardens show director Lynn Novakofski summed up the adoration for George, “There is no single individual who has done more for the sport of Water Skiing than “Banana” George. Thank you George from the bottom of our hearts!”

      Guest speaker Ron Scarpa highlighted the litany of achievements of Water Ski Hall of Fame member “Banana” George that include barefooting on all seven continents, inclusion in the Guiness Book of World Records, appearances on numerous TV shows and renowned water ski instructor whose “star” pupil became wife JoAnne.