As Fake Patty’s Day approaches, maintaining the safety of Kent State’s students remains a top priority for Kent Police throughout the annual festivities. 

Fake Patty’s typically kicks off early in the morning as fraternities start hosting events before noon, and bars open earlier than usual. Most students start drinking and celebrating in the morning because of the early start. 

The made up holiday, usually held at the end of March following spring break, began because the actual St. Patrick’s Day fell on spring break in years past. This year, Kent bars and fraternities confirmed the festivities will be held on March 22 this year. Campus police and local authorities have begun their preparations to ensure student safety and offered some opinions for students who plan to celebrate. 

Vance Voyles, a KSUPD sergeant, encourages students to make the best decisions for themselves as they participate in any festivities. 

“You can be responsible and have fun and never get involved with police ever,” Voyles said. 

Fake Patty’s takes place toward the end of March; events are held outside, and students go from house to house, from houses to downtown bars and from bar to bar. As students migrate from one place to the next, they should do it responsibly. 

“Don’t carry an open container,” Voyles said. “That’s just asking for a police officer to come up to you.” 

Kent State senior Mackenzie Fisher has had three years to celebrate the holiday and is excited for another. From her perspective, students can celebrate Fake Patty’s Day without any safety concerns if they act responsibly.  

“I always have friends from out of town come for Fake Patty’s, and we just go from place to place,” Fisher said. “Now that I am a senior, I think if you drink responsibly and stay with friends, you can have a super fun day and you won’t get in any trouble.” 

The holiday encourages fun for students and a way to let loose, students should remain together with friends and look out for each other throughout the day. 

“Education and prevention are the most important factors for the safety of Kent Students,” said Lt. Mike Lewis of the Kent State Police Department. “Practice common sense and good judgment.” 

Lewis has more than 10 years experience with Fake Patty’s Day. He said the holiday is a no-request-off day for the KPD, ensuring a large presence of local police. 

“Students should always act in the best interest and well-being of others,” Lewis said. “Don’t be afraid to call paramedics if someone needs them; that is always our biggest concern.” 

Lewis explained that common trends they see during the holiday include prohibitions, underage drinking and alcohol poisoning. Kent State has a Good Samaritan Provision, protecting students from disciplinary consequences related to alcohol or other substances if emergency services are contacted, so if you are with someone who needs emergency help, you can call 911 without fear of repercussions. 

Last year, KPD made 25 physical arrests on Fake Patty’s Day, most involving underage drinking or disorderly conduct. 

“We quickly learn not to underestimate the students,” Lewis said. “It’s the busiest day of the year for us, and it escalates quickly. Larger numbers of people partying together can easily get out of hand.” 

If things begin to escalate and students need assistance, local authorities can help prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. 

From Fisher’s three years of Fake Patty’s day experience, she remembers setting safety plans with her friends. 

“My friends and I kind of decide beforehand where we plan to go,” Fisher said. “Whether we’re going to the fraternity houses or bars we decide before we leave, so in the unlikely chance that one of us gets separated we can kind of assume where everyone will be.” 

Fisher also reminds other students to keep their phones charged and know their limit on drinking to prevent over-intoxication. 

“The students that get in trouble, at least from stories I’ve heard, usually do because they don’t know when to put down the drink,” Fisher said. “Have fun, but also know your limits.”

Fake Patty’s is an exciting Kent tradition that students like Fisher enjoy celebrating when done safely.

“It’s one of my favorite days in Kent,” said Fisher. “I have some pretty fun memories from Fake Patty’s, so I hope other students, especially freshmen who get four years of it, take it all in because it’s a very exciting day.” 

Emergency Number: 911

KSUPD Non-Emergency Number: 330-672-2212

KPD Non-Emergency Number: 330-673-7732

Olivia Scott is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].