Great American Banana Split Celebration

In Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the Great American Banana Split Celebration is more than just a food festival; it is a homecoming for one of America’s most iconic desserts.

A Sweet Slice of History
The event honors David "Doc" Strickler, a 23-year-old pharmacy apprentice who invented the banana split at Tassell Pharmacy in 1904. Seeking to create something unique for local Saint Vincent College students, he sliced a banana lengthwise and topped it with three scoops of ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry) and various syrups—creating a worldwide sensation for just 10 cents.

What to Expect at the Celebration
Held annually in late August (the 2026 celebration is scheduled for August 22–23), the event transforms downtown Latrobe into a vibrant block party. Key highlights include:

The Food: Naturally, the star of the show is the banana split. Vendors like Valley Dairy serve thousands of them over the weekend.

The Yellow Tie Gala: A semi-formal kickoff event at the Latrobe Art Center where guests wear yellow-themed attire and enjoy banana-flavored cocktails and sundaes.

Unique Contests: The festival features a high-energy Banana Eating Contest (challenging participants to eat as many bananas as possible in 125 seconds) and a Princess Pageant.

Entertainment & Activities: The weekend includes a 5K Banana Run, a classic car show, live music on multiple stages, a "Biergarten" featuring local beer, and a dedicated Kids Zone at Rogers Park.

The event serves as a point of immense local pride, officially designated as the birthplace of Pennsylvania's state dessert. It’s a quintessential small-town celebration that brings roughly 20,000 visitors to "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" for a weekend of ice cream and nostalgia.