Sally Miller didn't leave this year's Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon empty-handed -- instead, she took home new hand-knit socks.

Stationed in one of Rec Hall's front rows, in a spot that was quite familiar to her, Miller was busily knitting to help pass the time Friday night. Meanwhile, her daughter Eleanor was down on the floor dancing for the third year in a row.

Sally Miller was one of many eager fans that could be seen supporting the nearly 700 dancers. But unlike other fans who came and left after only a few hours, she was prepared to go the long haul.

"I put in personal days at work," Miller said. "I've had this spot for three years now, and I was going to be here regardless."

As an alumna and attendee at the first Thon hosted in the HUB-Robeson Ballroom, Miller said she has seen so many changes to the event and continues to feel great pride to be a Penn Stater.

Another proud supporter who was determined to stand out amid a sea of fans on Saturday night was Steven Mott (freshman-elementary education), a student from Penn State Shenango. Decked out from head to toe in orange, Mott even dyed his hair orange to support the dancers representing Shenango.

Mott said he and many of his classmates had rented rooms at the Nittany Lion Inn, but he really would have liked to spend the weekend on the floor.

"I'm proud of my dancers," Mott said. "But now that I'm here, I wish I was on the floor dancing with them."

Patrolling the sections of fans, members of the rules and regulations committee were trying to ensure that all fans remained standing in the bleachers in order to encourage the dancers to stay on their feet.

But one fan and grandmother of two dancers, Nancy Taylor, said her battle with rheumatoid arthritis caused her to take several breaks and sit on occasion. Surrounded by family members, Taylor said the event had great significance in her life, not only because her granddaughters were dancing, but because she has seen the results of Thon.

"I'm a nurse and I used to work at Hershey Medical Center," Taylor said. "I've seen just how much the kids really benefit."

Although this year's Thon saw many travelers, the event attracted more than just families and friends supporting the dancers.

Mike Rolli of West Caldwell, N.J. said he and his family scheduled their visit to tour the university on Thon weekend for his son, a prospective student.

After witnessing an event of such magnitude, he said he hopes his son will choose Penn State.