Months of intense preparation will be put into action when the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon kicks off at 7 tonight in Rec Hall.

"All the planning is done -- we're just ready to execute," said Carrie Konosky, Thon public relations overall.

Dancers will arrive for the weekend at Rec Hall's south gym for pre-Thon events at 6:25 p.m., which includes a dancer's meeting, an appearance by the Lionettes Dance Team, two videos produced by students and a speech by Vice President for Student Affairs Vicky Triponey.

Thon Overall Seth Moser said originally the Thon kickoff events were not held at the Nittany Lion Inn this year because of a scheduling conflict. He added that Rec Hall's south gym became a more reasonable location for the events because of safety concerns.

"When they move the dancers from the second dancer meeting to Thon, they won't have to cross the street," Moser said.

Mike Cocco, Thon morale overall, said he will be speaking to the dancers before Thon to give them encouragement to get through the 48 hours.

"What I want to say to them is pretty much what they already know," Cocco said. "I am just going to lay it out for them so it is the last thing they hear right before they hit the dance floor."

He added that pre-Thon events prepare the dancers for what they can expect during the weekend.

"I think pre-Thon does two really good things for the dancers," Moser said. "It provides them with high energy to get pumped for the weekend, but also helps them to focus."

Cocco said this year's "dancer run" will circle around outside Rec Hall before ending at the entrance.

"All committees, organizations, friends and students form a human tunnel that leads from south gym and wraps around to the entrance," he said.

Kristen Kerwood, Thon family relations overall, said families will register this afternoon between 3 and 6:30 p.m. in West Halls' Waring Commons.

"They have a specific schedule for them [the families], but it is not mandatory at all," Kerwood said.

She added that families will be attending pre-Thon events as well as welcoming the dancers once they enter Rec Hall's main gym.

Tomorrow, dancers will be entertained by a fashion show, athlete hour, a pep rally featuring Penn State cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion, as well as the first of two Family Variety Hours.

A giant bathroom break followed by a mail call featuring Mr. McFeely from the children's show Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, will occur Sunday.

The last four hours of Thon will have a Family Hour and the final monetary total will be announced for Thon 2005.

"Words can't explain how excited we are, and how much work we've put into it," Kat Foley, entertainment overall, said.