Banana split celebration returns to Latrobe this weekend

There is a bunch of appeeling fun in store for Latrobe this weekend.

Beginning Friday, the city will kick off the 2022 Great American Banana Split Celebration to commemorate the invention of the dairy delight. Latrobe pharmacist David Strickler created the fruity treat in 1904 at Tassell Pharmacy on Ligonier Street.

The festival will take place on Main and Ligonier streets.

“The celebration is a community favorite, and this year’s event will be no different,” said Briana Tomack, president and CEO of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce.

This is the first time the festival has returned to a three-day format since 2019. The 2020 festival was virtual and the 2021 celebration took place over two days.

During this year’s event, free parking is available at the Latrobe parking garage, surface lots and Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

Throughout the celebration, participants can enjoy food, drinks, vendors, banana splits, musical performances, activities, and a 21-plus area featuring drinks from craft breweries and wineries.

Additionally, each day will include time-specific events.

Weekend events

Festivities kick off at noon on Friday.

The Banana Split Princess Court meet-and-greet will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Beginning at 6 p.m., The Latrobe Art Center will host its annual by-reservation Yellow Tie Gala. Tickets for the outdoor event are $50 for art center members and $60 for others.

“Every year, this gala is a fun way to kick off the Banana Split Celebration with style,” Latrobe Art Center Executive Director Michael Tusay said.

Additionally, Westmoreland County Community College’s Latrobe campus will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Saturday’s celebrations will hit the ground running — literally.

The 5K Banana Run will begin at 9 a.m. at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. Runners should check in between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. at the stadium.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt and there will be medals for first, second and third places in seven age brackets. Registration is $25 per person.

For the more artistically inclined, the art center will host a banana split collage craft from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Face painting will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rogers Memorial Park.

From noon to 4 p.m., car lovers can enjoy the annual State Farm Agent Sarah Crispin-Thomas Car Show in the parking lot of WCCC’s Latrobe campus. Registration is $10 and can be found online.

A cornhole tournament will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the pie-eating contest will start at 4:30 p.m.

Another Banana Split Princess Court meet-and-greet will take place from 5 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy music throughout the day, with Crystal Blue Band performing Saturday’s final show starting at 7:30 p.m.

Another Banana Split Princess Court meet-and-greet will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Sunday

Live entertainment will kickoff with the YaJagoff! Podcast at noon. Attendees alsowill enjoy country, rock, jazz and polka music throughout the day.

A full schedule of events can be found at the bananasplitfest.com website.