UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Friday, Nov. 2, State College Borough will host a Military Appreciation First Friday event in partnership with Penn State. The event, which coincides with the University’s Military Appreciation Week, will take place in downtown State College from 5 to 8 p.m., primarily on the 100 block of South Fraser Street.
First Friday will feature live performances on the MLK Plaza stage and other venues, prizes, military discounts, military vehicles and support organizations. Downtown State College will provide free parking validations for the Fraser Street Garage to all military service members and veterans. Those with military IDs also can enjoy discounts and specials at more than 30 participating downtown businesses.
The event helps support the Penn State Military Student Fund, which offers financial assistance to military-affiliated students as a needs-based scholarship. Established in 2014, the fund has raised more than $98,000 for 41 scholarships. The fund is a nonendowed scholarship, with 100 percent of the proceeds distributed each year to military-affiliated students at any Penn State location.
Military Appreciation First Friday schedule of events:
- Sergeant Bob Timney on the Fraser Street MLK Plaza Stage from 5 to 6 p.m.
- Wild Blue Yonders on the Fraser Street MLK Plaza Stage from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
- The Nittany Knights A Capella Barbershop Chorus at the MLK Plaza Stage from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Live music by John Cunsolo, Ryan Vaughan and Christine Bratton at Saint’s Café from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Andy Tolins performing at McLanahan’s Downtown Market from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Live music by the Doppler Poppins, Idle Kyle, and Zach Wade and The Good Grief at Webster’s Bookstore Cafe at 7 p.m.
- Holiday Gift Gallery grand opening reception at the Art Alliance Gallery Downtown from 6 to 8 p.m.
- R. Thomas Berner Photography Exhibit at The Expect More Store from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- First Friday at Appalachian Outdoors from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Make custom stamped ornaments at The Makery from 5 to 8 p.m. (all ages welcome; preregister here)
- Explore a variety of art making strategies and techniques with future art educators from Penn State’s art education program at the Woskob Family Gallery from 5 to 8 p.m.
More information about First Friday is available at FirstFridayStateCollege.com.