Participants get ready for Thon

Things are pretty hectic now for those involved with the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon as everyone prepares for the event.

For some, preparation means getting the word out about Thon. Emily Sharretts, overall public relations chairwoman, has been doing that since October.

The group responsible for preparing the White Building -- where Thon takes place -- is the Office of Physical Plant Committee, headed by Meggan Gower.

"From 7 p.m. Thursday night to the start of the dance marathon, we're pretty much working nonstop," Gower said.

The committee began last night by loading trucks with mats, posters, paper products and various other items stored in the HUB for dance marathon, Gower said. Upon arrival at White Building, the trucks were unloaded and posters were hung up on the walls, taking up most of the night.

By 8 a.m. this morning, the team planned to resume its work. The team will construct a stage, an emergency medical station and lay-down mats for the dancers to dance on today, Gower said. Galaxy Sound will set up a screen and speakers halfway through the afternoon and

Aside from the setup crew, dancers are also busy preparing themselves.

A dancer's survival guide provided by the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Council recommends that in the week before Thon dancers get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night.

Dancers should also avoid alcohol and drugs, eat plenty of carbohydrates and do a little light exercising, according to the guide.