Penn State, State College prepping for State Patty’s this weekend. Here’s what to know
Penn State and State College are preparing this week for the annual return of State Patty’s, a weekend that often sees increased crime and excessive drinking downtown.
The student-created drinking marathon that sees Happy Valley trade in its blue and white for green is slated for Friday through Sunday. Police are expected to maintain a “strong presence” throughout the weekend, the university wrote on its website.
It’s unclear if staffing will be increased as it has in past year. Messages left with borough police were not immediately returned.
“A proactive approach to discourage participation in this event is utilized to help reduce problematic behaviors,” borough Manager Tom Fountaine said in a statement. “It is critical to reduce high-risk and dangerous drinking that impacts community resources such as Mount Nittany Medical Center, University and borough police resources, and EMS workers, along with the overall well-being of the community, including students and long-term residents.”
The impact of State Patty’s — created in 2007 when the traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration fell during the week of spring break — has declined considerably since its heyday. In 2011, more than 300 arrests were made during the three-day event. That number fell to three dozen in 2021, a decrease of nearly 90%.
It was not immediately known how many arrests were made last year. Penn State fraternities were permitted to host registered State Patty’s parties for the first time in more than a decade, a move that drew concern from the university.
A joint memo from Fountaine and Andrea Dowhower, Penn State’s interim vice president for student affairs, asked members of the State College Tavern Owners Association to treat State Patty’s like “any other weekend.” It encouraged no drink specials, extended hours or themed promotions.
Other precautions taken and outlined by the university include allowing only one guest per room in residence halls and asking Greek organizations to voluntarily limit social events with alcohol. Off-campus property managers were asked to discourage parties.
The university also used its customary warnings and pleas for responsible behavior to remind students any charge violations will be forwarded to its Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response for potential disciplinary action.
State law protects students from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol when they seek help for friends who are unconscious because of over-consumption.
“Our priority, this weekend and every other, is to keep our community as safe as possible,” Dowhower said. “While historically this event has created challenges, we hope our strong partnerships with the students and community will help combat any disruptive or damaging behavior. Our hope is for a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.”
This story was originally published February 21, 2024 at 5:30 AM.