The World’s Largest Lebanon Bologna Sandwich

150 FEET OF LOCALLY SMOKED GOODNESS

A Big Sandwich with an Even Bigger Impact

What began as a fun idea in the Visit Lebanon Valley office became nationwide news when the World’s Largest Lebanon Bologna Sandwich was built, unveiled, and enjoyed at the Lebanon Area Fair. It was full of bologna, but this sandwich represented a much bigger cause, as donations were collected beforehand to fight hunger in Lebanon County. For more, read below.

On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Visit Lebanon Valley, alongside various local organizations and a Bologna Security Crew of over 50 people, successfully built a 150-foot sandwich at the Lebanon Area Fair. The sandwich was unveiled to much fanfare with a ceremonial first cut by local and state dignitaries, before being sliced and served for free to hundreds of fairgoers.

Drawing lines that extended much further than just 150 feet, nearly every foot of the sandwich was handed out during the celebration. As fairgoers grabbed slices, it was a race to see whether the Sweet Lebanon Bologna or the Original Lebanon Bologna would be the favorite (spoiler alert: sweet won!).

In addition to the Lebanon Bologna from Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats, the historic sandwich also featured French Bread from Chef Peffley at the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center and provolone cheese from Country View Grocery. There was also a Fixin’s Bar supplied with Dieffenbach’s potato chips and other toppings so fairgoers could customize their slice.

Performances by the Cedar Crest Marching Band and speeches by the likes of Kristin Paradise, a representative from Governor Shapiro’s Office, and Greg Hostetter, the Executive Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, rounded out the bologna festivities. Plus, the event took place during the fair’s community night, so while the sandwich was surely a highlight, it was also a great opportunity for fairgoers to explore the many community member tables in attendance.

(Slices of the sandwich await pickup from hungry fairgoers.)

And while the sandwich was quickly eaten up and the evening came and went just as fast, the impact of the sandwich lingered long after, both in and out of the Valley…

Just over a week after the sandwich festivities, Visit Lebanon Valley had the opportunity to deliver a giant check to Lebanon County Christian Ministries (LCCM). Through sponsorships of the World’s Largest Lebanon Bologna Sandwich, which were offered at $100 per foot, the goal of $15,000 in sponsorships was both met and exceeded with an astounding $16,000 donated!

As represented by the check delivery, each dollar of these donations can now be used in LCCM’s mission to provide emergency food, clothing, shelter, and guidance towards personal sustainability for those in need in the Lebanon Valley. This cause is central to the health and happiness of our neighbors, as within Lebanon County alone, 13,750 people experienced food insecurity in the year 2020. That’s around one out of every ten people, according to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. With this donation, LCCM will be able continue their efforts to combat those numbers.

The sandwich also had a unique impact outside the Lebanon Valley, as news of the event traveled near and far and even made national news! From features on radio stations in Alaska and California to stories on USA Today and the Associated Press, Lebanon Bologna definitely made its mark. The story of the sandwich even traveled beyond the United States with coverage coming from multiple news sources across Canada. It has been and always will be a local icon for us, but what a week it was seeing Lebanon Bologna in the limelight.

Pictured from left to right: Jane Yorty, Darby Seymour, Jennifer
Kuzo (Visit Lebanon Valley), Bryan Smith,
and Dan Trimble (Lebanon County Christian Ministries).

Building a 150-foot sandwich is not an easy task and there were many, many people who helped us bring this crazy sandwich to the table.

The Bologna Security Crew poses for a photo with Chef Peffley, Mr. Whiskers, and of course the World’s Largest Lebanon Bologna Sandwich.

A BIG, 150 FOOT THANK YOU TO…

Our sandwich constituents, collaborators, and beneficiary:

Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats, Chef Peffley & the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center, Country View Grocery, Dieffenbach’s Snacks, the Lebanon Area Fair, Lebanon County Christian Ministries, Level11 Art Department, Julie Osborne at the UPS Store #6265, the Cedar Crest Marching Band, Dana Lape, and Cory Smith.

Caption: The Bologna Security Crew poses for a photo with Chef Peffley, Mr. Whiskers, and of course the World’s Largest Lebanon Bologna Sandwich.

Our Bologna Security Crew:

Sheila Seaman, Kevin Reichart, Tammy Reichart, Chris Werner, Sue Werner, Katie Werner, Deb Kreider, Finn Royer, Luke Royer, Kerry Royer, Emmily Longenecker, Brad Longenecker, Patti Wetzel, Bill Wetzel, Dan Trimble, Laura Trimble, Hailey Trimble, Bryan Smith, Brooke Smith, Brady Smith, Kathy Wall, Ken Wall, Cindy VanAken, Bill Bishop, Kathy Bishop, Alan Howe, Diane Wuori, Pat Harding, Patty Donley, Bob Clauser, Lesvi Vazquez, Heather Kumler, Sharon King, PJ Copenhaver, Barb Copenhaver, Mariann Dowd, Rob Anspach, Nik Anspach, Zach Anspach, David Frey, Mike Pellito, Charlotte Acevedo, Austin Wagoner, Kathy Lewis, Carlin Luz, Brenda Hicks, Betsy Dorsey, Mike Kuhn, Yvonne Kuhn, Mike Emery, Jamie Miller, Nancie Coover, Aaron Schimpf, Marshall Kramer, Brook May, Rick Stammel, Dana Hertzog, Jo Ellen Litz, Natalie Woodhouse, Scott Trowell, and Brook May.

Each and Every Sandwich Sponsor:

Gretna Music, Lori & Walter Brown, Wertz Candies, Wertz Orthodontics, Gretna Outdoor Art Show, Carriage House Style, Kauffman’s Animal Health, Strickler Insurance, VF Corp., Heidelberg Hall, Leitzel’s Jewelry, Everence Financial, Law Offices of John J. Ferry, Jr., Carolyn Pete, Angelo’s, Belco Community Credit Union, Emmily Longenecker Team – Iron Valley Real Estate, Bouquet Mulligan DeMaio Eye Professionals , Keller Bros, Ancestor/Swatara Coffee, Gretna Theatre, 1825 Inn Bed & Breakfast, Level Eleven Art Department, The Timeless Café, Diane & The Shearer Family, Custom Die Services, Bamberger’s, John C. Olivo Memorial Fund, Schlegel Electrical Mechanical, Amerman Ginder & Co, LLC, Chrisland Engineering, Adam Kuhn State Farm, Seven Cuz Beer Store, Mike & Yvonne Kuhn, Bob & Cindy VanAken, Jeff & Sandy Snyder, Josephine Ames JBT Bank, Member’s 1st Federal Credit Union, SESI, SHIFT, Talk of the Town Radio Show, Allstate – Tim McShane, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty Hershey East, Snitz Creek Brewery INC, Megan Ryland Tanner for Judge, Gingrich Insurance Group, Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz, Morcom Law, Millet Plastics, Lebanon Family Health Services, Quentin UCC, Ray Vacuum Center, Bering Real Estate Co, Fairfield By Marriott Near the Expo Center, Mike Emery, UGI Utilities, Jeff Beachell, Fresh Creative, Gacano Real Estate, Blacksmith Sawyer Co., Brook May – Bering Real Estate, Your SPAcial Place – Halo Salt Spa, Harrisburg Christian School, White’s Landmaster, Fulton Bank, PA Rep. John Schlegel.