Volunteer Registration

2026 Great American Banana Split Celebration

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Deadline: Jul 20, 2026 11:59 pm (GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Date: Aug 21, 2026 12:00 pm - Aug 23, 2026 4:00 pm (EDT)

About the event

Since its invention in 1904, the banana split has become an iconic part of American dessert culture. Its history began when David Strickler, a 23 year-old “soda jerk” at a drugstore in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, started experimenting with different ice cream combinations. He cut a banana lengthwise, added three scoops of ice cream (typically vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry) then topped it with sweet syrups, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry. It was an instant hit! Within a few years, the banana split gained national recognition. The dessert had become a staple of American dessert culture. Strickler went on to buy the Latrobe pharmacy where he invented the banana split where he added an optical business upstairs. He was a staple in the local community until he passed away in 1971 at the age of 90. In 2004, on the 100th anniversary of the banana split, “Ice-Cream Joe” Greubel worked with the University of Pitt to commemorate Strickler’s invention with the “From Pitt Came the Split” event. The Great American Banana Split Celebration started in 2013 with the unveiling of a marker from the Pennsylvania Historical Society at the former site of Tassel’s Pharmacy where Sticker was working at the time of his invention. Today, the banana split remains a beloved dessert across the United States and is often found on the menus of ice cream shops and restaurants. It is also the official dessert of Pennsylvania!
Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

About the application

The Great American Banana Split Celebration is one of the largest and most anticipated events in our region — filled with live entertainment, family activities, vendors, and of course, the iconic banana splits. But behind every scoop, stage, and smiling guest is a team of dedicated volunteers making it all happen. This year, we’re inviting you to join us. Whether you can give a few hours or want to be deeply involved, there’s a role for you — from guest services and activity stations to set-up, clean-up, and everything in between. Why volunteer? • Be part of a high-energy, feel-good community tradition • Meet new people and expand your network • Support a free event that brings joy to thousands of families • Make a visible difference in your community Volunteering at the Great American Banana Split Celebration isn’t just about helping — it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself. Spots will fill as we get closer to the festival, so we encourage you to sign up early.

Terms & Conditions

All volunteers must agree to the terms and conditions and submit a signed volunteer waiver. Both are available in the documents section.

Shifts

Title Location Time Slots available Hours
Electricity/Vendor Spot Mark Ups 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 20, 2026 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm 10 4
message Be part of the team that transforms downtown into festival magic! Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. Duties include: • Setting up electricity • Marking up vendor spots • General event set up help Perfect for: Strong helpers and people who love seeing the behind-the-scenes magic come together.
Event Set Up 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 21, 2026 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm 10 4
message Be part of the team that transforms downtown into festival magic! Duties include: • General event set up Perfect for: People who love seeing the behind-the-scenes magic come together.
Event Set Up 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 21, 2026 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 10 4
message Be part of the team that transforms downtown into festival magic! Duties include: • General event set up Perfect for: People who love seeing the behind-the-scenes magic come together.
Event Set Up 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 22, 2026 7:00 am - 11:00 am 20 4
message Be part of the team that transforms downtown into festival magic! Duties include: • Setting up tents, tables, chairs, signage & décor • Assisting vendors with unloading and directions • Hanging banners and sponsor signage Perfect for: Early birds, strong helpers, and people who love seeing the behind-the-scenes magic come together.
General Event Assistance 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 22, 2026 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 10 4
message This is our flexible, behind-the-scenes and front-line support role that keeps the entire festival running smoothly. General Event Volunteers help wherever needed throughout the two-day celebration. You may assist with set-up and tear-down, guest services, vendor support, light logistics, restocking supplies, monitoring event areas, or stepping in to support different teams during busy moments. Duties include: • Assisting at various activity stations throughout the festival • Helping manage lines and crowd flow • Supporting special events (baking contest, banana eating challenge, kids zone, etc.) • Delivering supplies or materials to different areas • Stepping in when another volunteer needs a quick break • Being an extra set of hands wherever the action is No two shifts are exactly the same — and that’s part of the fun! Perfect for: Adaptable, upbeat volunteers who enjoy variety and don’t mind being the “go-to” helper. If you like staying busy and being in the middle of the action, this role is for you.
General Event Assistance 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 22, 2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm 6 4
message This is our flexible, behind-the-scenes and front-line support role that keeps the entire festival running smoothly. General Event Volunteers help wherever needed throughout the two-day celebration. You may assist with set-up and tear-down, guest services, vendor support, light logistics, restocking supplies, monitoring event areas, or stepping in to support different teams during busy moments. Duties include: • Assisting at various activity stations throughout the festival • Helping manage lines and crowd flow • Supporting special events (baking contest, banana eating challenge, kids zone, etc.) • Delivering supplies or materials to different areas • Stepping in when another volunteer needs a quick break • Being an extra set of hands wherever the action is No two shifts are exactly the same — and that’s part of the fun! Perfect for: Adaptable, upbeat volunteers who enjoy variety and don’t mind being the “go-to” helper. If you like staying busy and being in the middle of the action, this role is for you.
General Event Assistance 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 23, 2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm 10 4
message This is our flexible, behind-the-scenes and front-line support role that keeps the entire festival running smoothly. General Event Volunteers help wherever needed throughout the two-day celebration. You may assist with set-up and tear-down, guest services, vendor support, light logistics, restocking supplies, monitoring event areas, or stepping in to support different teams during busy moments. Duties include: • Assisting at various activity stations throughout the festival • Helping manage lines and crowd flow • Supporting special events (baking contest, banana eating challenge, kids zone, etc.) • Delivering supplies or materials to different areas • Stepping in when another volunteer needs a quick break • Being an extra set of hands wherever the action is No two shifts are exactly the same — and that’s part of the fun! Perfect for: Adaptable, upbeat volunteers who enjoy variety and don’t mind being the “go-to” helper. If you like staying busy and being in the middle of the action, this role is for you.
General Event Assistance 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 23, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm 10 4
message This is our flexible, behind-the-scenes and front-line support role that keeps the entire festival running smoothly. General Event Volunteers help wherever needed throughout the two-day celebration. You may assist with set-up and tear-down, guest services, vendor support, light logistics, restocking supplies, monitoring event areas, or stepping in to support different teams during busy moments. Duties include: • Assisting at various activity stations throughout the festival • Helping manage lines and crowd flow • Supporting special events (baking contest, banana eating challenge, kids zone, etc.) • Delivering supplies or materials to different areas • Stepping in when another volunteer needs a quick break • Being an extra set of hands wherever the action is No two shifts are exactly the same — and that’s part of the fun! Perfect for: Adaptable, upbeat volunteers who enjoy variety and don’t mind being the “go-to” helper. If you like staying busy and being in the middle of the action, this role is for you.
Event Clean Up 811 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 Aug 23, 2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm 20 4
message When the music winds down and the last banana split is served, the Clean-Up Crew steps in to help wrap up the sweetest weekend of the year. This team plays a crucial role in restoring the festival grounds quickly, safely, and efficiently — making sure we leave the space even better than we found it. Duties may include: • Breaking down tables, chairs, tents, and signage • Collecting trash and recycling • Assisting vendors with load-out • Packing up supplies and equipment • Final walk-through of event areas • Helping transport materials to storage Perfect for: Team players who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and taking pride in a job well done. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a bustling festival space return to normal — knowing you helped make it all happen from start to finish. Because every great banana split needs a clean dish at the end.

Questions on the application

Volunteer information

  • Name
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Address
  • Emergency contacts
  • T-shirt size

Additional information

  • T-Shirt Size
  • I have read and agree to the terms and conditons
  • Please upload your signed volunteer waiver
2026 Great American Banana Split Celebration
2026 Great American Banana Split Celebration
Great American Banana Split Celebration