So much of the time we focus on the negative and things we believe are being done wrong or should be changed.

But behind the tuition hikes and nurses' strikes, there is also a lot of positive news out there -- especially this weekend.

Topping the list is the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which ended yesterday.

The annual event brought an estimated 100,000 alumni, students and other visitors to town to enjoy the art and, of course, to celebrate.

Yes, there was lots of traffic, and driving down College Avenue was a nightmare. Yes, the parking situation was horrendous, and every other car along Beaver had a ticket on the windshield. And yes, there were things happening for all those police patrols to stop or investigate.

In those ways, it was much like a football weekend.

But it was also a refreshing change to see everyone come together and the downtown area transform itself for something different.

People who graduated from Penn State years ago could use the weekend's events to come back, and others who visit every year during Arts Fest could enjoy the familiar setting and activities.

The long hours that vendors and organizers dedicated to the festival seem to have resulted in a success. The atmosphere was lively, but safe. The riots of Arts Fest weekends past remained just that -- a memory.

Yes, it's unfortunate that we even have to consider the lack of large-scale, riotous behavior a positive part of the weekend. But we're still glad that, for the most part, people weren't stupid.

Perhaps the success of Arts Fest could spawn a new, separate celebration in State College. It would be exciting to see a music festival begin or Movin' On to be expanded and create the same type of atmosphere.

Among the other good news was Thursday's Lift for Life, in which 92 Penn State athletes participated. They endured grueling physical activity and raised more than $23,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association. Let's hope the third year of the event garners even more money next summer.

Penn State also has a reason to celebrate after kicking off its 150th anniversary commemoration last week.

The next year should be a time to indulge in school spirit and think about the great things for which this university is known.

But even if that and the rest of last week's events weren't your cup of tea, we have to remember that it's not all bad news out there.