Tonight begins the unofficial 36th annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts "weekend celebrations." For many Penn State students, this means reunions with friends, a weekend away from the monotony of class, work and internships, and numerous parties in apartments, fraternity houses and bars.

In the past, problems have occurred when the parties were taken from the apartments, fraternities and bars to the street -- namely a stretch of East Beaver Avenue more commonly known as "Beaver Canyon."

With the riots of 1998 and 2000 during Arts Fest weekend, local police called in extra support with hundreds of officers on foot, car and horseback. Last summer, their efforts -- and the students as well -- proved to be what was a great turnout for the celebration with little trouble.

Many students, alumni and other visitors look forward to this weekend every year -- and with good reason. This is a time that has become a staple of Penn State summers. The type of reckless and sometimes violent behavior of the past put a damper on the fun and excitement of this traditional festival.

Many students found the repercussions of their actions during those riots -- and the other melee that occurred in March 2001 -- did not pay off. Some students lost their admission to Penn State. Some lost their degrees after four years of hard work. Some received criminal records. Not only were these students' reputations tarnished because of a night fueled by "beer muscles," but Penn State's reputation and that of all its students was tarnished.

Tonight and tomorrow night, let's show the university, the community and the rest of those who look negatively upon us that mistakes are made and we can and have learned from them.

In addition to the negative reflection such repeated behavior will have on Penn State students, we also will suffer when the administration and the community will continue to push for more restrictions on our civil liberties as students living in State College. Already in discussion by State College Borough Council is camera installation on Beaver Avenue to watch for "criminals."

Let's show them we do not need cameras to babysit us and the Office of Judicial Affairs to convict us. Is gathering in Beaver Canyon worth expulsion or a criminal record? Enjoy Arts Fest. Enjoy your friends and parties. When the bars close and parties come to a close, head home. Then maybe we'll see you next year.