Jason Koski/University Photography

Architecture student Nicolas Martin '12 holds a model of the 2008 dragon being constructed behind Rand Hall for Dragon Day.

Jason Koski/University Photography

Architecture students constuct a model of the 2008 dragon behind Rand Hall.

A giant, undulating creature has been taking shape this week behind Rand Hall for the annual rite of Dragon Day, a Cornell tradition for 107 years. The design of the 2008 dragon is based on puppetry and various animal attributes.

"Compared with last year's model, which was more static and sculptural, this will be a lot more dynamic," said Daniel Marino '12, one of the 50 freshmen working on the dragon's construction. The project is a collaborative effort among first-year architecture students in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning, who sell T-shirts to raise funds for the next year's dragon.

Beginning at 1 p.m. March 14, the dragon will be part of a parade from Rand Hall down East Avenue to Campus Road, where it will be met by a phoenix constructed by engineering students. The dragon will then pass through Ho Plaza on its way to the Arts Quad to be burned. There will be more than 100 costumed participants in the festivities, and more than 2,000 temporary dragon tattoos will be given out.

Starting at 12:15 p.m., University Avenue will be closed between East Avenue and the service drive next to Rand Hall to provide a safe assembly location for students and the dragon. Once the parade begins, vehicular access along the dragon route will be restricted, and bus routes may be delayed or re-routed as necessary. Visit CUinfo for more information.