Mark the official start of ‘State College Summer’ with Townie Takeover event
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- Rediscover State College hosts its 2nd annual Townie Takeover this Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Event centers on locals-first activities culminating in a countdown.
- Admission is free and funded by the State College Borough and the Redevelopment Authority
As Penn State students leave Happy Valley, locals are invited to reclaim downtown this summer beginning with Rediscover State College’s 2nd annual “Townie Takeover” this week.
Created as a locals-first celebration, the event is taking place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Champs Downtown, 139 S. Allen St. Its focus is the celebration of another State College summer while giving residents a chance to meet neighbors and connect with others in the community.
There will be interactive activities, food and drink specials leading up to a New Year’s Eve-style countdown that marks the official start of “State College Summer,” Brad Groznik, the event’s founder and coordinator, wrote in a press release.
“It’s an opportunity for the townies to kind of stretch their arms and get to know others, and kind of rule the town for the summer,” he said.
Organizers say the event is especially geared toward people who are newer to State College and looking to build relationships outside the university-centered rhythm of the academic year.
Attendees can expect a warm welcome by Rediscover State College members who will be on-site throughout the event to help connect residents who may still be finding their footing in the area.
“State College is one of those rare places that gets to be two different towns,” Groznik wrote in the release.
This marks the time of year when streets become quieter and restaurants less crowded, he continued, where longtime residents can reclaim a version of the town that feels distinctly their own.
Rediscover State College’s community-driven initiative, funded by the State College Borough Redevelopment Authority, embraces the unique atmosphere that settles over State College once graduation passes and the pace of downtown begins to shift.
Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 400 attendees for an evening of food specials, drinks and community connection.
“We’re doing a full countdown this year because, honestly, State College summer deserves its own ball drop,” Groznik said. “We want every person who shows up to leave feeling like they belong here. That’s what this event is really about.”
Admission is free. While the event is open to all ages, organizers noted the full bar and drink specials may appeal more to adult attendees. RSVPs are encouraged through the event’s Facebook page.
