The weekend after THON and before spring break is known to the State College police as a weekend with "more crime, more criminal arrests, and more alcohol overdoses than a typical winter weekend," according to their tenant letter memo that was sent to thousands of apartment and household residences throughout the area.
It was a tradition that began years ago when Penn State students wanted to celebrate the heavy drinking holiday of St. Patrick's Day at school and with friends because the week off from spring break often got in the way.
It was a strategic and innovative move by the Penn State student body that I am very appreciative of.
Of course the party scene is a big part of the day that we are all looking forward to the most, but the community aspect of it all is what I find so special.
This university has gone through some trying times this semester and with that came a lull period, a desolate time where little activity could be seen downtown. This 2017 State Patty's almost seemed like a rejuvenation of the community I missed.
Friends laughing and bustling down Beaver Ave in a sea of green was truly an amazing sight to see (sorry to get all emotional).
State Patty's is even known as a tourist attraction! A time where people from all over, who may not even be alumni of the university, come to spend their weekend. They choose to make a trip out to central PA because they too understand the type of environment that is felt around here.
Whether you're hitting the bars, apartments, frats, or houses, there's no denying that whichever setting you decide on, you're in for an unforgettable weekend. Till next year!
