Virtual banana split fest takes shape; participants sought

Plans for a pie-eating contest and art activities are firming up as Latrobe prepares for its first virtual banana split festival.

With less than a month until this year’s online edition of the annual Great American Banana Split Celebration, set for National Banana Split Day on Aug. 25, the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is calling for more people to get involved.

The chamber is looking for musical artists, comedians or other entertainers to be featured in pre-recorded 10-minute performances to be shown on the celebration’s website and Facebook page.

While pandemic-related restrictions on large gatherings have ruled out in-person festival activities in Latrobe, this year’s virtual version has expanded the event’s potential reach.

The entertainers “can be from anywhere in the world,” event director Isaac McDaniel noted. Previous festival headliners have included Kellie Pickler, Joe Grushecky and The Clarks.

Likewise, the six participants sought for the celebration’s pie-eating contest needn’t travel to Latrobe to compete. Chamber President Briana Tomack explained they need only be within driving distance of any Western Pennsylvania Eat ‘n Park restaurant, where they will pick up a banana creme pie donated for the event.

Each must have a strong internet connection for the online contest, with the person who eats the pie in the shortest amount of time to be crowned champion.

“We’ve always had a partnership with Eat ‘n Park,” Tomack said. “Normally, it was limited to our local Eat ‘n Park,” in Unity Township. “Now, all of the locations are participating.”

Other festival activities to be streamed online include the crowning of a banana split princess from among nine hopefuls and banana-split making demonstrations.

In an activity ideal for younger children, Latrobe Art Center gallery assistant Seth Rupert will present a tutorial on creating and coloring an image of a banana split. Printable templates can be used to trace the shape of the frozen treat.

“Most of the supplies that are needed people will already have at home,” said art center Executive Director Lauren Buches.

It’s not necessary to wait for Aug. 25 to take advantage of some festival-related fun and offerings.

In a virtual Banana Run race, participants can sign up to run anywhere they choose, for distances ranging from 1 mile to 10 kilometers. Runners have until Aug. 31 to register and to submit their results. Entry fees start at $5 and go up to $35, depending on the types of related swag — including a themed T-shirt and medal — the runner will receive.

Organizers also plan to roll out a coloring contest and an online marketplace for small businesses in advance of the festival.

Also, fans can order a 6-pint Banana Split Flavor Pack of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla bean ice cream from the Penn State Berkey Creamery.

Entering a festival code at checkout will knock 10% off the regular price of $60 plus shipping.

Check out the festival Facebook page for more details and registration links.

Visit bananasplitfest.com for a festival gallery and related facts.

Latrobe’s event celebrates the 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.