CHARLOTTE, NC - A banana-centric event is taking place this Saturday, August 24, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. As part of its 125th Banana-Versary celebration, Dole Food Company will host the inaugural Dole Great American Banana Challenge this weekend during the Great American Banana Split Celebration. Dole agreed to sponsor the annual challenge through 2027.
“Dole is proud that our bananas have provided the foundation for countless classic and new-twist banana split recipes for years at Latrobe’s Banana Split Celebration—and prouder still to have introduced several great-tasting versions made better with berries, pineapple, and other fresh fruit to the mix,” said William Goldfield, Director of Communications. “So, when we had the chance to help create a new, more nutrient-dense version of the quintessentially American eating contest that doesn’t sacrifice the fun, we were eager to participate.”
According to Banana Challenge rules, the banana fan who peels and eats the most DOLE® bananas in 125 seconds on the event’s Robindale Main Stage will receive the inaugural Dole Banana Challenge Belt, designed and produced by Andrew Lazarchik.
The Great American Banana Split Celebration honors the 1904 invention of the banana split at Latrobe’s Tassel’s Pharmacy. According to a press release, it has been a regular destination for banana and dessert fans since 2013 when the Pennsylvania Historical Society unveiled a marker at the downtown Latrobe site.
Dole helped organize the first Banana Split Celebration 11 years ago in conjunction with National Banana Split Day, and sent a team of employees and Bobby Banana. This year, in addition to serving as an unofficial Dole Banana Challenge judge, Bobby will cheer-on participants in the annual 5K Banana Run.
The Dole 125th Banana-Versary continues throughout 2024 with in-store messaging, contests, partnerships, proclamations, recipes and appearances by Bobby Banana. A special highlight is “125 Ways to Be Bananas,” part of a web and social media series of banana hacks, tips and recipes, digital downloads, engagement opportunities, and ways to share banana memories.
Banana fans can officially register for the Dole Great American Banana Challenge here. For details on the three-day celebration, click here.
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