Saint Patrick’s Day: Holiday Turns up Plenty of Green in State College

Students, alumni and State College natives took to the streets Saturday to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.

There was green here, green there, green everywhere.

Saint Patrick’s Day became an official public holiday in Ireland in 1903, and soon thereafter the traditions of drinking and eating on March 17 became a worldwide event.

Penn State student Carolyn Lasky is celebrating by watching men’s NCAA Tournament basketball games. She recently returned from a spring break trip to Dublin, Ireland. 

“I am not drinking green beer or eating green ketchup from McDonald’s,” Lasky said, laughing. “But I will be watching basketball and hanging out with friends all day.

‘Dublin was a great place to visit and I know my friends there are having a good time, too. It was great to visit there and I hope to bring a little of their culture back to the States.’

Penn State student Matt Trabold plans to catch up with friends and watch basketball throughout the day.

‘I’ve been really busy,’ he said. ‘It’s a good chance to watch basketball and spend a little time away from schoolwork and hang out with people.’

If you’re looking to plan a Saturday afternoon out on the town, be sure to check the StateCollege.com entertainment page for bar specials and events. And as always, if you are unable to drive, be sure to have a friend take you home, or call a taxi so that you can celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day again next year.