Saturday marks the 12th annual Fake Patty’s Day celebration, Manhattan’s favorite fake holiday filled with fun and fueled by booze.
For many participants, a vast majority being college students, Fake Patty’s is an excuse to day drink and party with friends before midterms and spring break. While mostly an enjoyable time, Fake Patty’s Day can easily get out of hand and turn into a frenzy of reckless, irresponsible behavior.
While some of these may seem obvious, a gentle reminder never hurt anyone.
To ensure Saturday’s festivities remain safe (and fun) for everyone, be sure to keep the following in mind:
1. DON’T: drink and drive
One of the most common offenses seen on Fake Patty’s Day is driving under the influence. In 2018, the Riley County Police Department arrested 47 individuals and charged 13 of them with DUIs.
According to RCPD’s website, a first-time DUI conviction is punishable by a fine of $750 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, 100 hours of community service and $98 in court fees. Additional fees and citations could apply to convicted individuals under the age of 21.
Having a designated driver is the simplest way to avoid a DUI.
“We encourage everyone attending the celebration to have a plan,” Rachel Pate, public information officer for RCPD, said. “This plan should include designating someone who isn’t drinking to help ensure there is a safe ride home.”
Fake Patty’s participants without a designated driver can use Uber, and SafeRide will also be free to all K-State students with an ID starting at noon March 2 until 4 a.m. March 3. Non-students can ride for $2.
2. DON’T: drink underage
Fake Patty’s Day and underage drinking seem to go hand in hand. RCPD is well aware that individuals under the age of 21 partake in the festivities, but they warn of the consequences.
Out of the 494 citations issued last year on Fake Patty’s Day, 54 were minor in possession of alcohol charges.
A minor in consumption or possession conviction is punishable by a fine starting at $200, up to one month in jail, $155 in court costs and a minimum 30 day driver’s license suspension upon first conviction.
Additionally, a conviction for possession of a fake driver’s license is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
Individuals convicted of furnishing alcohol to minors will face a $300 to $500 fine, up to six months in jail and $155 in court costs.
3. DO: know your limit
Fake Patty’s is an all day celebration, so knowing your limit is important. Spacing out your drinks throughout the day and alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are both ways to drink more responsibly.
Many participants binge drink on Fake Patty’s Day, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
“Alcohol poisoning is caused by drinking a very large amount of alcohol in a short period of time,” said Jean DeDonder, director of alcohol and other drug education at Lafene Health Center. “This can result in high levels of alcohol in the body, which can shut down critical areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate and body temperature to the point of causing death.”
Common signs of alcohol poisoning include the inability to wake up, being vaguely aware of your surroundings, vomiting when passed out, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature and seizures, DeDonder said.
DeDonder said to call for help immediately if a friend experiences any of the above symptoms.
Knowing your limit is the best way to avoid the chance of alcohol poisoning or other destructive behavior.
4. DO: abide by the law
With the influx of people who take to Manhattan to participate in this event, it comes as no surprise that there is also an increase in law enforcement.
RCPD will have the assistance of multiple other police departments outside of Manhattan this weekend to ensure those participating stay safe and abide by the law.
According to RCPD’s website, “officers on patrol will be enforcing all state and local laws.” These include fake or fraud identification, furnishing alcohol to/hosting a minor, minor in possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages, open container, intoxicated pedestrian in the street, urinating/defecating upon public places, disorderly conduct, littering, noise, possession of marijuana/drug paraphernalia, public nudity, resisting arrest, criminal destruction of property and DUI.
Additional laws and punishments for convictions can be found on RCPD’s website.
Logan Grieve, senior in architectural engineering, received a citation for possession of an open container in public during last year’s Fake Patty’s Day festivities.
“I was at one house party and was going to leave to go to a new party and walked just one yard over,” Grieve said. “I had a beer in my hand and a bike cop drove by and yelled at me to come over to him on the sidewalk. I was of age so I didn’t really care, but he asked me for my ID and then asked what was in my hand. He took all of my information and gave me the ticket for possession of an open container right then and there.”
Grieve said all Fake Patty’s Day patrons should be conscious of and abide by the law.
“Seriously, if you’re drinking alcohol on Fake Patty’s, make sure you’re not breaking any laws,” Grieve said. “If any cop comes by they’re definitely going to get you for it.”
5. DO: dress warm
Last year’s Fake Patty’s Day celebration was accompanied by warm weather and sunshine. This year’s festivities will feature a cold front expected to affect weekend temperatures. Fake Patty’s Day participants should check the weather and dress accordingly.
Fake Patty’s Day patrons are encouraged to have fun and drink responsibly this weekend. Keeping the above tips in mind will ensure Saturday’s celebration remains a safe one.
