LION Bash Aims to Bring State College Community Together

A block party and community resource fair will offer food vendors, entertainment and opportunities to learn about many local organizations and businesses on Thursday in downtown State College.

The annual Living in One Neighborhood (LION) Bash, sponsored by State College Borough and Penn State, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of South Allen Street.

Open to all community members, the event will feature more than 130 engagement stations hosted by Penn State offices and organizations, government services, nonprofit organizations and local businesses.

Live performances will take place at Mayor Welch Plaza in front of the Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen St., and are scheduled to include Quasi Quinet, a jazz band comprised of State High students; JaDhoom, a Bollywood fusion dance team made up of Penn State students; and Koehler Bay, two longtime State College residents playing acoustic rock covers.

Food vendors on hand at the Bash will include Raising Canes, Savory Station, Brazilian Munchies, Sunset Slush Happy Valley and Juana’s. Attendees can also check out downtown State College’s restaurants and shops.

“The mission of LION’s initiative is to enhance the unique town-gown relationship between State College and the Penn State community by providing robust experiences that bring student residents, long-term residents and community leaders together for healthy dialogues,” according to a news release.