Fans ‘listen to the music’
College throws two-day festival, including concert, to thank communityBy Wendy McCardle Zook, wzook@altoonamirror.com
Article Photos
ALTOONA - A two-day festival highlighted the impact of the Penn State Altoona campus to the region, as well as the local community support the school has received and appreciated for more than seven decades.
"It's just a fun day," Chancellor Lori Bechtel-Wherry said of the "Happy Birthday event" while signing copies of a book detailing the school's history.
The school began its rich local history on Sept. 19, 1939.
"The thing that hasn't changed in 70 years is the never-ending support of the community," Bechtel-Wherry said. "This is our way of saying thank you for our community."
On Saturday, activities were held on the school's campus in conjunction with Family Weekend and several sporting events.
The event ended Sunday night with a performance by the Doobie Brothers at the Jaffa Shrine Center. Student band Hope Fallacy was the opening act.
Hollidaysburg natives Gina and Rich Amberson were in town visiting family from their home in Raleigh, N.C. Despite being University of Pittsburgh graduates, they appreciated the large amount of Penn State pride in the air.
While waiting in line for
balloon art from entertainer Dennie Huber for their sleepy 2-year-old son, Joey, the couple said community support is something unique to Penn State.
"I think Penn State is doing great things for Altoona," Gina said while her husband noted the improvement of several buildings in the downtown area.
Hollidaysburg resident Gaby Montero was pushing her 1-year-old grandson around in a stroller near the dancing and entertaining Nittany Lion. Montero's daughter went to the college, and she said her great-grandson would be a fan, as well.
Despite the large crowds along 12th Avenue, Montero said more families should be enjoying the chance to support the university.
"I wish more people from town were here," she said. "It's wonderful."
Penn State Altoona students Nicole Tennekoon and Caroline McKenna were handing out university magnets at a booth along the road. Both were representing the student government association.
"It's a good way for the community to come out and meet the students and see how involved the students are in the community," said McKenna of Wall, N.J. "Penn State is all about tradition. It's like everyone is just passing the pride down from generation to generation."
Seeing the large number of alumni bringing their families to the event was an exciting part of attending for Tennekoon of Long Island, N.Y.
"They're going to raise their children to be Penn State fans," she said.
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RobFan
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10-26-09 4:25 PM
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I only saw negative comments from nospin, I am not a fan of Altoona, but I think having such a great concert there could only be a good thing. One day, nospin will be going to the Jaffa to see his/her favorite band play.
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orwell
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10-26-09 3:45 PM
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nospit, you're obviously cynical and misinformed. PSU Altoona sold the tickets at a loss as a community service. The concert was part of the 60th Anniversary weekend celebration, and the university paid part of the tab. The band was very good, and I too thank Penn State Altoona.
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DemoDerbyAce
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10-26-09 1:31 PM
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I too had a good time last night. Much rather spend $10 to see the Doobies than $40 to $80 for Hannah Montana.
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nospinhere
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10-26-09 1:18 PM
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I am just trying to figure out who was more hard up Altoona or the Dobbie Bothers?
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nospinhere
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10-26-09 11:59 AM
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$10.00 A ticket, Doobie's wow this area is depressed. No wonder you have to travel for good entertainment, good thing they didn't have heart attacks on stage.
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gordon65
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10-26-09 11:37 AM
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I echo the sentiments about the Doobies...they were great! We are concert goers from way back & actually saw The Doobies back in the 70's (in PBurgh)& also saw them recently @ the Cleafield Fair. Last night was one of the best concerts we been to & the crowd was very appreciative & clearly enjoyed themselves! It was nice to see a full house came out to represent the Central Pa area. If you can't pack a house @ $10 a ticket,there is something wrong. It would be great to have more acts come to Altoona & the Convention Center SHOULD have been constructed to accomodate not just "conventions" but a music venue as well!!!!
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mocus1
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10-26-09 11:34 AM
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"Hope Fallacy" is a great name for an opening band. Accurately describes the Obama administration and the scam artists who sold it to us.
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Debboe
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10-26-09 9:49 AM
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I wanted to thank Penn State Altoona for all they have done for the community, especially downtown Altoona, which for the first time in years is actually seeing some life again. I also wanted to thank the campus for bringing the Doobie Brothers into town. I saw the concert and it was AWESOME. It was very apparent as to just how much the crowd enjoyed the Doobie Brothers. It was a great night. :)
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TheWizardOfOZ
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10-26-09 8:45 AM
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Not only are these guys a Classic Group, but they are still some VERY accomplished musicians who can rock and play the blues! I think the young guys who opened for them got an eyeopening taste of what its like to be REAL muscicians.....3000 people rocking and bringing the house down....!!!
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orwell
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10-26-09 7:44 AM
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The Doobies put on a good show last evening. I'm not much of a Doobie Bros. fan - have never owned any of their albums and don't have a reaction when their songs come on the radio - but they were very good. They seemed to genuinely be enjoying themselves, and they are good musicians. Nice to see a name act come to Altoona.
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DRILLMAMMA
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10-26-09 7:17 AM
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The Doobie Bros. live on!!
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