Annual banana split festival celebrates Latrobe’s sweetest invention

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LATROBE, Pa. — The Great American Banana Split Celebration returned to Latrobe this weekend.

>>> PHOTOS: Tasty treats & good times at Latrobe banana split celebration <<<

Now in its 13th year, the event celebrates the sweet treat invented by a University of Pittsburgh student at a Latrobe pharmacy more than 120 years ago.

Officials say it’s important to the borough’s history, but also just a good time.

“The banana split, it’s just fun,” said Briana Tomack, president of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce. “It’s fun to celebrate ice cream; it makes people happy. And this is our 13th year of celebrating, and it gets bigger and better every year.”

The celebration includes a banana-eating contest, 5K run, car show and more.

Festivities continue Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information.

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