Four Penn State Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities opened their doors to community members Wednesday night in an attempt to bridge the gap between local residents and the university's greek community.

The Penn State-IFC Holiday Lights Tour, led by Greek Ambassadors who told each tour group the fraternity's history, was the first installment of what is expected to become an annual event.

Theta Delta Chi, 305 E. Prospect Ave., even scheduled child-friendly entertainment such as magicians, live reindeer for photo opportunities and a visit from Santa Claus.

The program means well, but will do little to change the reality that contributes to residents' Animal House perception of fraternities.

After all, the tour is only one night a year.

Once the reindeer return to the North Pole and Santa goes back to his workshop, fraternity members will resume the drunken debauchery that fuels neighbors' complaining.

Only four of the 59 fraternities listed on Penn State's greek life Web site opened their doors.

Two of those fraternities are nowhere near residential neighborhoods -- Beta Theta Pi is on campus and Sigma Alpha Epsilon is on Beaver Avenue -- meaning they probably aren't the chief offenders.

If the IFC is serious about clearing up its reputation among students and residents, other fraternities need to get involved.

Visiting more than 50 fraternities in one night is impossible, but there is no reason why tours can't be scheduled throughout the semester.

If that's impossible, participating fraternities should at least come from residential neighborhoods, not on campus or downtown, to help them become acquainted with their real neighbors.

Residents who are concerned about the frat house next door should take advantage of the IFC's invitation and take the tours when they are offered.

The reality is that those families chose to live in a college town, and fraternities are part of the college culture.

Fraternities must be willing to reach out to the community, but they can only reach so far. Residents need to meet them halfway.

While fraternities do need to respect residents' rights to a safe, peaceful neighborhood, residents cannot expect the Penn State party scene to completely disappear from their backyards.

Hopefully the IFC and its chapters will continue to find ways to show the State College community that they're more than warm Natty Light and popped collars.