THON! Or not?

Ah, Thon, otherwise known as the dance marathon held every year at Penn State University to raise money to fund the Four Diamonds fund in its effort to eradicate pediatric cancer that has been ongoing since 1973. Where would we be without you? THON does so much good, not only aiding the development and furthering of cancer research but also providing for those affected and their families.

However, not every state enables such things to happen and some in fact have laws prohibiting dance marathons, more specifically competitive dance contests. But still, if those aren’t allowed would it really be a surprise for charity dancing events to be next?

In Alabama, just as in the town shown in the movie Footloose, you may not dance the night away. In fact it says that marathon dance contests are prohibited and adds even more stipulations to this law. The section of law says that, “it shall be unlawful for any person to participate in any marathon dance contest, walkathon contest, or similar physical endurance contest by walking, dancing, riding, or running continuing or intended to continue for a period of more than 8 consecutive hours, whether or not admission is charged or a prize awarded, and it shall be unlawful for any person to participate in more than  one such contest within any period of 48 hours.”

Aw, shucks. Now not only can a THON-like event never take place in Alabama, but I can’t, say…participate in a marathon dance competition and then do a 5k within a 48 hour time period?

I can only guess at the reasons for this law but I sure am happy it doesn’t include charity events and is only in effect in Alabama and not in Pennsylvania. THON had better watch out if this law becomes a trend for other states and spreads to other regions!