The Penn State Dance Marathon is so much more than just THON weekend. There are many exciting events held throughout the year to raise money for THON, get everyone pumped and provide some fun for the Four Diamonds families. If you’re into running, sports or just dancing and chowing down on some cotton candy, come out to one of these upcoming events to show your support for THON!
THON Sporting Events
The most well known THON sporting event is easily the THON football game. This year, the THON football game will be on November 1st, where Penn State will take on Maryland. THON 2015 PR Media Relations captain Graceanne Domino tells us, “THON will be honored between the first and second quarters with an appearance by the Executive Committee on the field.” Just like previous years, THON volunteers will be canning outside Beaver Stadium to raise money for THON.
The THON football game is a great way to raise awareness and money for THON, but football is not the only sporting event that partners with THON. “It’s often overlooked that THON works with other sports teams besides football,” Domino says. If you’re a fan of other sports and are looking to support THON, you can attend the THON Field Hockey game on October 14th at 7 p.m., or one of the THON Soccer games on October 26th. The women’s soccer game will start at 11 a.m., and the men’s game will start at 2 p.m. A few Four Diamonds families are also expected to be there. “The events are a great way for families and students to meet and spend time with one another before THON Weekend,” Domino adds.
THON 5K
The 14th annual THON 5K is set for November 2nd, the day after the THON football game. “The THON 5K is a great opportunity to bring the entire THON and State College communities together,” Domino says. If you’re on a THON committee, this is a great way to get to know your new committee members! Participants are welcome to compete in the 5K, but can also choose to do the “fun run” and walk the route instead of running.
100 Days ‘Til THON
100 Days ‘Til THON is a celebration that takes place in the HUB every year and marks the countdown of the remaining 100 days ‘til THON weekend. This year, the event will take place on November 12th. Students are encouraged to come out to the HUB to celebrate with music, food, and the Nittany Lion. The event will also include student performances and a Four Diamonds family speaker. Anyone is welcome to stop by and make some dancer mail or have some fun with THON trivia! The event culminates on Old Main lawn where a THON photo will be taken.
Family Carnival
According to THON.org, “The Family Carnival is an annual, fun-filled event with various activities and crafts for the kids and their families.” THON volunteers will run the event, which includes musical entertainment, face-painting and even skee-ball. At the end of Family Carnival, the 2015 Logo will be revealed. Although Family Carnival is not open to the public, there will be a live stream of the Logo Reveal so the entire THON community can watch. Family Carnival will take place on November 16th this year.
Come out to one of these upcoming events and help THON fight pediatric cancer!
Photo source: Facebook.com/PennStateTHON
