The 8th annual college town party on the square took place last Wednesday Sept. 20. The event was an interactive success that brought college students from the area together with community members to enjoy food, music and giveaways.
Students from Wilkes, Kings, Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), Penn State Wilkes-Barre and Misericordia made their way around the public square checking out over 17 various tents that housed local businesses. Some students felt this year was better than the last with more vendors and better food, while others felt this year had less attendance.
Penn State students from the Wilkes-Barre branch, Justin Manisy and Tom Barreto were less than impressed with this year’s turnout.
“My freshman year it was packed, it was crazy,” said Barreto.
“Honestly I expected a little bit more I thought there would be more tents around,” said Manisy of his first year attending.
Although expectations may not have been fulfilled, the night was action packed. Party goers were taken by surprise by an outbreak of a flash mob, two bands, Stealing Neil and No Where Slow, performed and the Dominos sponsored pizza eating contest.
Senior marketing major at King’s College, Matthew Steltzer, maintained undefeated status as he finished his pie first for the 4th year in a row. Steltzer said he doesn’t practice but he has a strategy. “Devour and throw water in your mouth,” he said. His prize was a goody bag, complete with two gift cards for free pizza.
The results arepending for this year’s Collegetown Cup Trophy winner. The cup is won by receiving the most cumulative points in the school spirit poster contest, mechanical bull riding, and the pizza eating contest.
After enjoying a night of free entertainment, food and community company students were already looking forward to next year. Seniors at King’s, Terrance Wagner and Steven Foster agreed, “I’ll come back just for party on the square, we both will,” said Wagner.