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Fire performer Will Sanquilly of Hawley demonstrates ’fire poi,’ a dance from New Zealand, as students from area colleges and universities gathered for the Downtown College Town Party, on Public Square Wednesday evening.
WILKES-BARRE – Thousands of students came out to party on the Square despite the rain Wednesday night.
The sixth annual Downtown College Town Party was free to students from Wilkes University, King’s College, Luzerne County Community College, Misericordia University and Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
“We just walked around and got free things and signed up for different kinds of banking stuff,” said Courtney Novotny, a 21-year-old junior at King’s.
Novotny, who was enjoying a free ice cream cone, left Public Square early in the evening with her friend Nicole Velekei, 20, also a junior at King’s.
Both said they would have stayed longer had the rain let up.
“The stands were pretty neat,” said Velekei, who appreciated having a free umbrella from Boscov’s. “It’s definitely something to do during the day.”
More than 300 umbrellas were given away to college students, said John Marko, a manager at the 15 S. Main St. store.
“We thought we had enough, but we didn’t,” Marko said.
At Boscov’s tent, workers gave out store coupons, treats and fresh popcorn. The store was also giving away a V Rocker game chair and hair salon basket.
Marko said the turnout was excellent even with the rain.
A table with a Nintendo Wii that was set up by the Osterhout Free Library had to shut down because of the rainy weather. Elaine Schall, coordinator of reader services at the South Franklin Street library, worked at the table.
Schall said it was great to see several colleges’ students out at the Square.
“It’s wonderful to see the kids all come together – just make a great community downtown,” said Schall, trying to stay dry.
Police officers patrolling the Square said the students were well-behaved.
Valerie Monick, administrative assistant for Sallie Mae in Hanover Township, handed out informational pamphlets to those interested in student loans. About 200 signed up for $1,000 and $10,000 scholarship giveaways.
More than 60 businesses participated in the alcohol-free event. There was live entertainment, including BeatTeks DJs, Faded Fortune and Elevation.
A Domino’s pizza-eating contest was also part of the night’s event.
About 1,400 people came to the event last year, and city officials expected more students Wednesday.
