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It's the fifth year the Legion has hosted the banana split spectacular, and over the years scores of ice cream lovers have turned out for the event to enjoy custom-ordered banana splits with a variety of flavors, syrups, and a cherry on top. Members of the American Legion man the ice cream scoop, and other volunteers do the order-taking, decorating, and serving. Tickets are $8 at the door, $7 in advance.
Here are some photos from previous year's events:
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Here's the scoop on making banana splits: start with three scoops of different flavored ice cream, served over a banana split vertically down the middle. Add strawberries, raspberries and/or crushed pineapple, depending on personal preference, top with marshmallow syrup, chopped nuts, and cherries. The banana split is traditionally served in an elongated glass dish called a "boat".
The finished product, minus the cherry
All the fixins': chocolate and strawberry syrup, whipped cream
Taking the custom orders. Some of the younger set couldn't wait.
The event has included an informational display board telling the history of the banana split, who invented it, where the first one was served, and the town that erected a historical marker and sculpture to mark the spot. Latrobe, Pennsylvania, secured its place in history when the first banana split was created there in 1904. The bananas came from New Orleans. The display even included a commemorative brick from the place where the first banana split was served.
Many famous celebrities have joined in regularly-held festivities to mark the occasion.
All across America, young couples headed for the local soda fountain to enjoy eating a banana split together. A romantic tradition was born.
Also Saturday night, members of the American Legion will be taking in donations for the Food Bank.
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