The ISU community will get a special treat this year, with the “World’s Largest Rice Krispie Treat.”

The 2001 Veishea parade will feature the standard fare of floats and balloons, and some new additions.

Quinn Showalter, parade co-chair, said the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile will provide quality entertainment for the Ames community. He said pictures will be available and wiener whistles will be tossed to the crowd.

“It’s been a two-year process, but it’s definitely been worth the wait,” said Showalter, junior in agricultural studies. “I’m sure everyone is going to enjoy the opportunity to view one of the biggest hot dogs in the nation.”

The biggest Rice Krispie Treat in the world will ride in the parade as well. Students are working to make a 2,500-pound treat to break the Guinness World Record.

Also new to this year’s parade is the addition of some new faces. Richardson Court Association has paired with Phi Delta Theta fraternity, 2035 Sunset Drive, and Chi Omega sorority, 227 Gray Ave., to help build a traditional float.

Aaron Shady, Veishea chairman for Phi Delta Theta, said the new collaboration has been great.

“The people coming over from the dorms have been really gung-ho about helping,” said Shady, junior chemical engineering. “They’ve been a great help.”

Richard Prestegard, parade coordinator, said he wants this experience to spur more participation in Veishea and in the parade.

“Hopefully, next year, [RCA] will decide to make their own float,” said Prestegard, sophomore in agricultural business.

Rachel Ravitz, parade director and liaison between Veishea and KCCI, said she wants everyone to get their entries in as soon as possible.

“I’m hoping [everything] is done and organized so we don’t have to scramble at the last minute,” said Ravitz, senior in elementary education.

Fred Hoiberg of the Chicago Bulls, former Cyclone basketball player, will serve as parade grand marshal. The parade marshal will be Miss Iowa 2000 Theresa Uchytil.

The parade steps off April 21 at 10:40 a.m., and television coverage begins at 11 a.m. on KCCI. The start time is an hour earlier than last year.