Stolen Banana Sculpture Returned to Franconia Restaurant Intact

FRANCONIA — The banana is back. The Franconia Police Department confirmed Thursday that a three-foot fiberglass banana sculpture titled “Elevated Fruit” has been returned to its spot outside Chef Joe’s Catering on Main Street after being stolen late last month. The sculpture, created by Massachusetts artist Paul Belenky, was found intact and undamaged. Belenky was notified of its recovery Thursday morning. To prevent a repeat disappearance, the department has secured the sculpture with a padlock, zip ties and a trail camera, which Cashin described as police “flair.”