Most people know Pennsylvania is famous for Philly cheesesteaks, whoopie pies, soft pretzels, and Hershey candy. Other notables include the Big Mac. Did you know the McDonald’s staple was first made in 1967 by Uniontown franchise owner, Jim Delligatti?

Stricklers Drug Store, Latrobe, PA Photo by the Latrobe Historical Society

My favorite foodie first is the banana split. In 1904, 23-year-old David Strickler worked the soda fountain at a Latrobe, PA drugstore. Experimenting with different ice cream creations, he came up with what is known today as the banana split. The delicious dessert was very popular with students from nearby Saint Vincent College, who spread the word about the treat. Within a few years, his ice cream concoction was popular nationwide. While he’ll probably never be as lauded as Latrobe natives Arnold Palmer and Fred Rogers, Strickler’s contribution is more than noteworthy.

In 2013, it was made official when the National Ice Cream Retailers Association (NICRA) credited Latrobe as the birthplace of the banana split. Since then, the Westmoreland County town has commemorated this triumph of culinary creativity with the Great American Banana Split Celebration. This year’s event will be held downtown on August 23–24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The event kicks off with a blood drive on Friday, with donors receiving a banana split for their contribution. The evening brings a more formal, yet festive, event with the Yellow Tie Gala, held at the Latrobe Art Center.

“We’re always adding new events and different things to do. It’s just a lot of fun,” stated Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Briana Tomack.

Photo courtesy of the Great American Banana Split Celebration committee

Saturday starts off with the 5K Banana Run at 9 a.m. There are seven different age brackets, starting at age 6 through 60+. Whether you run or choose to walk, the route will take you through the historic downtown.

Photo courtesy of the Great American Banana Split Celebration committee

The festival features entertainment on two stages, both days. In addition, there will be a car show, craft and food vendors, a petting zoo, climbing wall, and children’s crafts and activities in Rogers Park. Among the food vendors is the popular Valley Dairy Banana Split stand. You can’t go to a Banana Split Celebration without having a banana split, right?

Photo sourtesy of the Great American Banana Split Celebration committee

For attendees ages 21 and over, the Outdoor Biergarten is the place to be for wine and beer—how appropriate, since Rolling Rock beer is another Latrobe creation.

The event wouldn’t be complete without the naming of a princess. The Banana Split Pageant Princesses are judged by interview performance, 30-second introductions, formal wear, and stage presence. The contestant with the highest score will be crowned as the Banana Split Princess.

2024 Banana Eating Contest Campion, Leo Sun.
Photo courtesy of the Great American Banana Split Celebration committee

Another festival favorite is the Banana Eating Contest. The 2024 contest was won by Leo Sun, who ate the most bananas in 125 seconds. The contest time was chosen as a tribute to the Dole Company’s 125th anniversary in 2024. Sun peeled and ate a whopping 11 bananas in 2 minutes and 5 seconds! The winner received a championship belt by Latrobe’s Wildcat Championship Belts. Wildcat Championship Belts are makers of belts for events including WWE, MMA, Food Network’s Tournament of Champions, and Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Photo courtesy of the Great American Banana Split Celebration committee

According to Tomack, the town’s population will grow from about 8,000 to at least 20,000 as visitors attend the festivities over the weekend. It’s sure to be a beautiful day/weekend in Mr. Roger’s neighborhood.

For more information on the schedule of events and activities at the Great American Banana Split Celebration, visit bananasplitfest.com.