If you don’t go to Penn State, or even if you do, you might have no idea what State Patty’s is.
State Patty’s is always the weekend after THON where the students of Penn State come together to celebrate an early Saint Patrick’s Day. Many visitors come up to stay for this time because it is such a busy weekend, there is something to do at every hour of the day.
Many bars and restaurants in downtown State College open early and stay open late on the days of this Pennsylvania famous weekend to take advantage of the ever-flowing crowds.
Penn State originally created this weekend in 2007 when the school’s spring break was the same week as Saint Patrick’s Day. This meant students wouldn’t be on campus for the true holiday. However, since then and even if students are back on campus in time for March 17, there is always a State Patty’s weekend.
Now, this weekend attracts more visitors than the Saint Patrick’s holiday itself. It is an exciting celebration for everyone, but it must be taken with caution.
This weekend is notorious for giving out the most underage drinking fines and conducting the most arrests. However, if you know how to handle yourself, stick with your friends and you all know how to have a good time, everything will be pots of gold at the end of the rainbow!
State Patty’s Day is a weekend of green. Everyone wears their cutest jeans and a green top with plenty of green accessories if they are in the spirit. Many stores in downtown State College overstock their green accessories and specially made green “Penn State,” “Happy Valley” or “STATE” shirts. These all sell out fast though and even Amazon can be slow on their regular Saint Patrick’s Day shirt orders.
Many people buy special accessories for this day like shamrock sunglasses, green hats, festive beads, fanny packs, and huge cups for drink transportation to celebrate. Dare I say it is like a Mardi Gras in the middle of Pennsylvania?
As mentioned earlier, this weekend can prove to be a problem. Because of incidents in past years, no fraternities or sororities are allowed to throw a registered event on this weekend. This may just be the easiest way for Penn State to cut out its Greek Life, but that is a whole different topic.
You and your friends can celebrate this weekend by going to parties or throwing a party yourself! Remember in each case to be careful and smart.
If you do not feel like partying as a celebration, eat a green bagel from Irving’s or Bagel Crust. You could also go on a walk during this weekend for an endless amount of people-watching entertainment.
All in all, State Patty’s weekend in State College, Pennsylvania is a celebration you want to experience. Nothing matches the Penn State pride every student has for this self-proclaimed holiday, and I think every local college student should experience it at least once.
Remember: have fun, be safe and shamrock it up!