Latrobe banana split fest goes virtual with pageant, race

As summer nears an end, Latrobe will feature entertainment and competitions as well as crown a princess as part of its annual Great American Banana Split Celebration.

But this year, because of the covid-19 pandemic, people will visit online on Aug. 25 to enjoy a virtual version of the festival.

Events will be streamed live, via the celebration’s Facebook page and website, from the Latrobe headquarters of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“We are going to have live entertainment all day,” said chamber President Briana Tomack, who noted festival plans are beginning to come together. “We’re trying to keep it in people’s memories and make it fun and celebrate whatever way we can. We’ll hopefully move things back in person next year.”

Next Monday is the deadline to enter the festival’s second annual princess pageant. This year’s candidates for the title and accompanying $500 scholarship will be judged based on items that must be submitted by 5 p.m. July 27.

The competition is open to girls ages 9-11 who reside in the Greater Latrobe, Derry Area or Ligonier Valley school districts. They are to send an application and essay by mail and upload required videos. A headshot may be submitted digitally or as a hard copy.

In one video, princess hopefuls will answer questions about school, extracurricular activities, family and how the pandemic has affected their lives. For another, they will dress in formal wear and record an at-home “pageant walk.”

The top three contestants will be invited to a livestreamed ceremony on Aug. 25. “We’ll announce the winner live and they will be crowned that day,” said Tomack.

A virtual Banana Split Run race will allow registered participants to complete a one-mile, 5K or 10K distance over a route of their choosing or on a treadmill. “Anyone can participate anywhere,” said Tomack. “They’ll upload their results.”

Entry fees range from $5 to $35, depending on whether the runner wants to receive a medal or a T-shirt designed by Crabtree artist Raphael Pantalone.

Visit bananasplitfest.com to enter the pageant or race. Details are to come for a virtual pie-eating contest.

The festival celebrates Latrobe’s claim — backed by a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker — that the banana split was invented in 1904 at the town’s Tassell Pharmacy, the creation of 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist David E. Strickler.