Penn State students will be "rockin' the Rec" at the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon for one last time starting at 7 tonight in Rec Hall.

"I know we are prepared and ready to go," Thon Family Relations Overall Mandy Cylc said.

Almost 700 dancers will begin to trickle into the Rec Hall south gym around 3:30 p.m. for registration. An hour later, there is a second dancers' meeting for some "information and inspiration" before the 48 hours, Cylc said.

She said the dancers will hear a speech by Henry Angus, the father of Four Diamonds child Gabe Angus, who is currently under treatment. Dancers will also receive angel pins for their contributions to Thon.

"The dancers are angels for these Thon families," Cylc said.

After the meeting, the dancers will be in the "dancer run," which is a human tunnel around Rec Hall that dancers travel through before going into the main gym, Public Relations Overall Jaci Christopher said.

The pre-Thon activities start at 6:30 p.m. and include a speaker, a video and the countdown to Thon.

Thon Overall Evan Jacobs said the committee members wanted pre-Thon activities to be a surprise for the dancers this year.

"It will have very high energy, and people from the Penn State community will get the dancers excited," Jacobs said.

Thon families will also be making their way to State College to register, starting at 3 this afternoon in the West Halls' Waring Commons.

Thon families are invited to the pre-Thon events and also have their own events throughout the weekend, such as variety hours and dinners, Cylc said.

Tomorrow and Sunday, dancers will be entertained with the athlete pep rally, a fashion show, mail call with Mr. McFeely from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and the giant bathroom break. Throughout the weekend, dancers will also learn a new Thon line dance, an infamous Thon tradition.

Memories of Paternoville from last fall will also be showcased at this year's Thon, with an auction of the Paternoville banner. The sign is being auctioned off at www.charitysignings.com. The bidding will end at 7 p.m. Sunday, and the winner will be announced. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to Thon.

Even with the high excitement level, the organizers are still putting on the finishing touches.

After long hours at the Big Move last night, the OPPerations committee will continue preparing the main gym. OPP Overall Chairman Allen Goldate said he will be at Rec Hall this morning to pick up food and drink deliveries.

Jacobs said members of other committees, such as Morale, Hospitality and Rules and Regulations, will be in and out of Rec Hall all day doing last-minute preparations.

However, Cylc said everything is going as planned.

"Thon is so large that there are kinks and hiccups, but we don't expect any," she said.