When I initially decided to attend Penn State, I was excited to experience all the school had to offer, including its fun and unique holidays. Since Saint Patrick’s Day has always been my favorite holiday and a big ordeal in my family, I thought, “what could be better than an entire weekend dedicated to students celebrating it together?”

My sister graduated from Penn State in 2010 and told me legendary stories from the infamous holiday during her time here. She recounted tales of daylongs, green wigs, and beer. It all seemed like so much fun and I couldn’t wait to take part in the festivities, so I invited her to spend the weekend for old time’s sake.

She warned me not to expect anything this year because State Patty’s isn’t what it used to be. Since she graduated, State College has cracked down on State Patty’s Day because of the violence and crime it caused. I’ve heard about bars closing down and fraternities banning parties, but I thought I would still find fun things to do with friends regardless. Unfortunately, I’ve heard too many people saying that it will be a flop this year. Along with this year’s freshman class came the death of the State Patty’s Day spirit.

I’ve heard multiple different speculations from friends:

“Even if a bar stays open, they jack up the prices. That’s how they make their money.”
“Sororities have a mandatory day of service, so they can’t participate in State Patty’s Day.”
“Entire apartment complexes crack down on parties for the weekend.”
“The cops will be everywhere, writing up DUIs and citations right and left.”
“Don’t wear green because you will be stopped by the police if they suspect you’re drunk.”

Some of these speculations may just be rumors, but word on the street is, at least for the class of 2019, that our first State Patty’s will be a bust. Not to mention in recent years, people from all different colleges visit Penn State during this particular weekend because no other college has a tradition quite like this one. Frankly, many students claim this is a huge reason why State Patty’s lost its charm.

I know a lot of freshmen who invited friends from all over to stay for the weekend, expecting it to live up to the Penn State party school reputation. In reality, it may just be the weekend to avoid.

I think regardless of the regulations Penn State, bars, apartment buildings, and the police put on the student-created holiday, Penn State students will find a way to keep the spirit alive, because they always do. But the State Patty’s Day of old, for better or for worse, is long gone.