A Saturday block party. A Sunday tailgate.

Sounds like a typical weekend scene in State College, but this weekend's festivities were far from the norm.

Penn State is hosting the National Governors' Association annual meeting through today and along with the work the politicians put into conferencing and discussion came a great deal of play.

Saturday's Evening Under the Stars, held on a barricaded South Allen Street, gave students and local citizens an opportunity to see and speak with governors and state officials from around the country.

The street was lined with elaborate landscaping and floral displays. Food and beverage arrangements dotted the scene. Locals and gubernatorial families intertwined, with the governors' identification badges the only means of distinction between the two.

Governors and their families mingled with other state officials and local residents after a busy first day at the conference.

"They (governors) put in a lot more work than relaxing. They need a breather so they stay focused and don't get burned out," said Taylor Leavitt, son of NGA Chairman Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt.

Many guests, however, weren't quite sure what to expect at the event.

"We're just enjoying listening to the folk music. We just wandered down, we needed something to do," said Dick Herman of Sharon, who came to visit State College with his wife, Lissa.

Local business owners helped with refreshment stands but their volunteer work didn't impede in their determination to meet their favorite politicians.

Nancy Fine of State College, from AJ Fine Footwear, 1341 S. Atherton St., said she was excited to meet Gov. Jim Gilmore of her home state, Virginia.

"He was really friendly," said an excited Fine, just moments after exchanging words with the governor. "I'm originally from Virginia, so he was the one I especially wanted to meet."

Judy Smith of State College, who was volunteering her time at a food display from The Deli Restaurant, 113 Hiester St., said she was surprised to even see governors in attendance.

Some of the younger guests set loftier expectations for a brush with the famous.

Arlee Myers, dressed as children's book character Harry Potter, had his hopes set on seeing the president.

"I would shake his hand and ask him what it's like to be president," Myers said. "I think it would be fun."

Governors and their families stepped out of black sedans escorted by security motorcades into a swarm of onlookers, lending an almost Oscar-worthy air to the atmosphere.

Many spectators, in fact, were more interested in a Hollywood-style view of the politicians and their families.

"I just want to see the (governors') wives' dresses. I'm wondering who everybody is," said Patty Wertz of Millerstown.

Though protesters from the Redirection 2000 group were scattered among the crowd, their presence went virtually unnoticed until Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge stepped out of his car to a host of picketers hollering "murderer."

No protesters, however, were in pursuit at Sunday evening's Pennsylvania Tailgate at the Multi-Sport Complex.

Governors and their families were found at the tailgate in casual dress, some sipping on alcoholic beverages or enjoying barbecue-style food. Others waited in line to have caricatures drawn of themselves or participated in picnic activities including volleyball and football.

A concert by country music star Kenny Rogers ended the event.

Other guests at the tailgate included sports personalities from around the state such as Joe Paterno, four-time Olympic wrestling medalist Bruce Baumgartner of Edinboro and former Penn State volleyball co-captain Bonnie Bremner.

Montana Gov. Marc Racicot said he was enjoying his visit, adding that Penn State was a good choice of venue for the conference because of its national popularity.

"It's a national university that is identifiable by many Americans. Not only does it have a reputation for excellence, there is also a history to Penn State," Racicot said.

Other governors and partygoers agreed on the appropriateness of the State College area as a host for the officials.

Taylor Leavitt said State College has a college life appeal and Louisiana First Lady Alice Foster said she was pleased with the mountain scenery, reminiscing about her native Virginia.

"This area is very charming. I'd never been to Pennsylvania and wasn't sure what to expect," Foster said.

Gov. Ridge said he was happy to have Penn State as a partner for the conference because of its location and reputation as a research institution.

"It's the perfect venue because it's not the norm," Ridge said. "A lot of people visit the urban areas of Pennsylvania, but we're a very rural state, and this is a nice little town for families."

But Ridge didn't forget to hold up a strong university tradition.

"It can't be Penn State without a tailgate," Ridge said. "The only thing missing is the football game."