Dole’s Bobby Banana hosts free public party on National Banana Split Day honoring designation of Latrobe as birthplace of the famous dessert

LATROBE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than a century after apprentice pharmacist David Strickler of Tassel Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pa., dished up the first banana split for students of nearby Saint Vincent College, thousands of banana lovers gathered at the school in this southwestern Pennsylvania city on National Banana Split Day for the world’s largest banana gathering and banana split bar.

“Of course, this being Dole, one of our goals is to introduce healthier versions of the famously decadent sundae with less calories and fat. We’re out to show that it is possible to eat smart and still enjoy your banana split, too.”

The free public party capped a weekend-long celebration by the City of Latrobe, Saint Vincent College and Dole Fresh Fruit honoring the designation of Latrobe as the official birthplace of the iconic, triple-scoop sundae.

Consistent with the nutritional mission of Dole, both traditional and healthier banana splits, made with less calories and fat, were served at the celebration which attracted more than 2,000 Saint Vincent College students, local Latrobe residents and out-of-area visitors.

The first-ever Great American Banana Split Celebrationkicked-off Aug. 23 and featured ceremonies, tastings, run/walks, parties and dances in and around Latrobe.

Dole provided thousands of DOLE^® Bananas and recipes for banana-themed salads, entrees, cocktails and traditional and healthier banana splits made with Greek yogurt, sorbet, honey, pomegranates and fresh berries.

“DOLE is America’s favorite banana – so it makes perfect sense for us to honor America’s favorite dessert and the now-official city where it was created,” said Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of corporate communications. “Of course, this being Dole, one of our goals is to introduce healthier versions of the famously decadent sundae with less calories and fat. We’re out to show that it is possible to eat smart and still enjoy your banana split, too.”

Today’s celebration was free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.cityoflatrobe.com.

For more information on DOLE Bananas, including recipes, serving suggestions and other information, go to www.dole.com/peelthelove or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dolebananas or www.twitter.com/dolebananas, respectively.