August's First Thursday organizers hope to rock the socks off of visitors -- as long as they are sure to bring an extra pair.
The Schlow Centre Region Library, 118 S. Fraser St., will hold two sock hops: for First Thursday and in celebration of its 50th anniversary. One will take place in the afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30 for children, and another will be at 6:30 p.m. for everyone.
"The sock hop is a great way for us to end the summer and a great way to celebrate our anniversary," children's librarian, Anita Ditz said.
A DJ will spin 45s, and The Highway Kings will play rockabilly and surf music while drinks are served to keep the dancers refreshed.
The admission price is a pair of socks to be donated to the local shoe bank -- just as long as they're not fresh off a pair of feet.
"Sock hops, dancing, and 45s are all part of the '50s. It's to remind people how long we have been around and that we will still be around for years to come," Ditz said. "It's just a great way for people to get together, dance and have a good time."
For visitors with two left feet, other First Thursday events will grace the stores and restaurants downtown.
Katie O'Toole, First Thursday coordinator, said that it is great seeing people explore downtown, sampling all the best of artistic and creative endeavors, and the event is slowly starting to take hold.
Kids can check out Growing Tree Toys, 202 S. Allen St., where they can decorate plain baseball caps using peel-and-stick felt pieces and other accessories for a completely unique hat.
A "Still Life Creations" exhibit featuring paintings by Bellefonte artist Nancy Brassington will be held at Zola's New World Bistro, 324 W. College Ave., from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with a $1 off drinks special.
The Artisan Connection, 135 E. Beaver Ave., will have a display and reception by photographer Heidi Castleman. Castleman's photographs feature subjects from citizens of foreign countries to intricate flowers. Her work will be on display throughout the month of August.
The Creative Oasis, 133 E. Beaver Ave., will hold demonstrations of wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A new exhibit of pen, paper and paint creations, "The Sharing Squid & Other Curious Sketches" by Eden Carnes, will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The university libraries will also take part in First Thursday.
In Pattee's main exhibit area, the "Rails to Penn State" charts the growth of the Bellefonte Central Railroad.
Another exhibit, "Roman Vishniac: Remembering the Days of Old," documents the lives of Jews before the Holocaust.
A film, "Rafting through the Grand Canyon," will be shown from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Earth and Mineral Sciences Library, 105 Deike Building.
"So far we have had an uneven turnout. Some events get a handful of visitors others a packed crowd," O'Toole said. "We really want to instill the concept of people coming out to State College the first Thursday of every month."
All the events for First Thursday are free, as is parking at the street meters after 6:00 p.m., and every Thursday after 6:00 p.m. at the parking lots located on Fraser Street and Beaver Avenue, Allen Street and the McAllister parking deck.
