Come taste a classic

But the banana split debuted well before that. Its first appearance is believed to be in Pennsylvania in 1904.

A banana was split in half, lengthwise, two or three scoops of ice cream were added, a generous serving of chocolate sauce and strawberry sauce was applied, and the traditional maraschino cherry was placed on top. It didn?t take long before whipped cream was added to the recipe.

It?s no surprise such a recipe quickly gained popularity and as soda fountains flourished, so did the trusty banana split.

Now that ice cream is offered in dozens and dozens of flavors, the banana split doesn?t hold the popularity it once did. But it still holds its place as one of America?s favorite summertime treats.

If you want a free banana split, be sure to stop by the Standard office today from 2 to 4 p.m. The newspaper is planning to give away more than 500 banana splits during that time.

If you decide to stop by our office, be sure to register for the grand prize of $300 worth of gasoline. There will also be discount subscription offers that are good today only.

All new regular price subscribers will get 25 percent off a one-year, sixth-month or three-month subscription. Senior citizens, who already receive a discounted rate, will get 10 percent off.

And to show our appreciation to our current customers, all current subscribers can add three months to their subscription at 25 percent off.

?Like our Pig Day when we give away free hot dogs, Banana Day is a chance for us to say thank you to our customers,? said Standard executive editor Pat Zechman. ?We hope everybody stops by today to beat the heat and enjoy a banana split on us.?