There’s still nine months until we dance, but preparations for THON 2016 are well underway. THON announced the official dates for the 2015-16 fundraising season, including the canning weekends. The fundraising window opens Sept. 18.

• Canning weekend #1: September 25-27
• Canning weekend #2: October 23-25
• THON 5K: November 7
• Canning weekend #3: November 13-15
• Family Carnival: December 6

For the first time in recent memory, the first canning weekend coincides with a home football game against San Diego State. Due to dangerous conditions in the winter, the Executive Committee eliminated the December canning weekend. Sept. 25-27 was the “best option” for the first weekend when considering religious holidays, university events, and other THON events.

If you want to cheer on the Nittany Lions that weekend, THON reminded volunteers canning is encouraged but not required. THON encouraged volunteers to find alternative forms of fundraising if they will not be canning that full weekend to help continue the fight FTC.