Newspapers covered the floor as members of Theta Alpha Pi sorority and Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity, 328 E. Foster Ave., sat "pomping" chicken wire. The smell of wood, paint and glue lingered in the air while sounds of drills pierced the walls from the back of the house. Laughter and music could be heard as sorority and fraternity members worked together to complete their homecoming float.

For many members of student organizations, these sights, sounds and smells have been all too familiar this week as they prepare for today's homecoming parade. Given from Sunday to early this morning to prepare their floats, members of the greek community could be found outside of fraternity houses working diligently to turn their sketches and plans into reality.

"We start planning for homecoming the minute we come back in the fall," said Monica Jenkins (senior-journalism), president of the social service sorority Theta Alpha Pi.

To participate in the parade, members of the greek community must submit three ideas for approval. Once approved, the members begin sketching out plans and ideas for the float.

"We basically brainstorm and see what will be feasible to build and put on the float," said Tau Epsilon Phi Homecoming Chair Bob Mangold.

For members of Theta Alpha Pi and Tau Epsilon Phi, Duck Tales was the theme for this year's homecoming festivities. Plans included a money bin that opens and closes, a helicopter with movable propellers and characters from the cartoon.

"We start small by building the entire skeleton from wood and then mold the chicken wire around it to get the effect we want," said Gary Hunt (senior-landscape contracting).

After the chicken wire is cut, twisted and molded, the "pomping" process begins. Glue is first sprayed on the wire and the square, tissue paper-like "pomps" are then wrapped in a circular motion around a finger and inserted in the wire to create a design.

"We pick the characters, see what they are wearing and just try to match the designs with the 'pomps,' " said Carrie Bodnar (junior-psychology).

Floats in the parade are judged in a variety of areas including creativity, color, movement, and lights. The floats also must follow strict regulations, Jenkins said.

"The floats cannot exceed a certain height or width, need safety chains, a fire extinguisher and an orange hazard triangle," Jenkins said.

Participants are also told to show school spirit and relate floats to the homecoming theme, "Celebrate Old State."

"We are putting the number 43 on one of the character's jerseys and are placing number 324 on the helicopter," said Josh Davis (senior-kinesiology).

Despite the long hours and hard work, members of Theta Alpha Pi and Tau Epsilon Phi enjoyed spending their time and energy on the float.

"Thursday night is a huge night for all of us. We will probably work from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and will 'pomp' 12 hours straight," Jenkins said.

Homecoming chair for Theta Alpha Pi, Ashley Bailine (senior-psychology and sociology), also dedicated the majority of her week to building the float.

"It is so much fun, and it is worth it," Bailine said.

For many, homecoming serves as a major highlight of their time at Penn State.

"This is my fourth year and it is one of the things that I look forward to every year. I love getting together and showing pride for our school," said Lisa Rauch (senior-public relations).

The mere sight of the completed product also will prove all of the long hours and hard work beneficial for some.

"You know that a week ago it was nothing but a flat trailer bed and now it is this amazing float," said Dan Palmer (junior-journalism).

For others, the highpoint of the week will come during the parade.

"Standing in the night when the float goes by and seeing the little kids smile is the greatest enjoyment and payoff," Jenkins said.