Preparation for the 2006 Homecoming Parade commenced Wednesday night amid the crinkling of tissue paper and hammering of nails. Within the south stands of Ohio Stadium, students gathered to begin work on floats promoting their organizations.

Colette Masterson, the graduate adviser for the Homecoming Parade, said 63 organizations signed up for the “Where’s Brutus”-themed parade but only 20 student organizations, who registered on a first-come, first-served basis, have access to the space and supplies.“(We want) to continue the tradition and student participation in Homecoming… and make sure everyone has everything they need,” Masterson said.

In addition to supplies, there was a small crew from the maintenance department on hand to aid first-time and seasoned float builders with structural suggestions and ideas on reinforcement.

“We’re here for technical assistance and to let (students) use the tools we have,” said Bill Christensen, a supervisor from the maintenance department.

Justin Berger, a fourth-year student in mechanical engineering, said the advice, supplies and, especially, the wood cutting has been really helpful.

Berger’s group, the Ohio Staters Inc., is hoping to emulate one of their organization’s projects – Light Up the Lake – with a mini-Mirror Lake, complete with illuminated trees, on their float bed.

“We want to promote school spirit, to be part of Homecoming, and to let people know about our group and what we do on campus,” Berger said.

Many groups share the same sentiments for participating in the parade. Amy Dannemiller, from the junior honorary Bucket & Dipper, and Katie Lucas, from the junior honorary Chimes, collaborated on their float to “spread awareness” of their organizations, said Lucas.

Their float highlights both Halloween and the parade’s theme. Black and orange and scarlet and gray are the predominant color schemes and, if all goes to plan, a giant pumpkin will feature Brutus popping in and out to wave at fans, said Dannemiller, a junior in medical dietetics.Lucas, a third-year English and marketing major, said the hardest part of the project is making the idea of the float a reality.

“We dreamed big dreams and trying to get it to work is a challenge,” Dannemiller said.

Block “O” Homecoming chair Jim Hubbell said his group hasn’t run into any float-building challenges with four engineers and one gym teacher on the volunteer team.

Perhaps it’s because the Block “O” float builders are driven by Hubbell’s drive to win the parade. Although Hubbell was unsure if there even was a prize, “pride” is the only thing he cares to win.

“This is a fly by the seat of your pants operation,” said Hubbell, a fourth-year mechanical engineering major.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. today and leaves from the Ohio stadium, travels south along High Street and ends at the South Oval, according to the Ohio Union Web site.

Although it’s predicted to rain, the students’ hard work can withstand sprinkles. Only in the case of a downpour will the parade be cancelled, Masterson said.

Check the Ohio Union Web site at ohiounion.com for parade and Homecoming updates.