It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Well, almost. With Dayton to Daytona only three months away, (May 4-10) Daytona Week provides students a taste of what's to come under the Florida sun if they sign up. During the week, the Daytona committee informed students of important details, awarded free trips through various contests and assigns hotel spots, which will be announced Saturday, Jan. 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Frericks Center's Collins Gym.

Although signups go through April 2, it is important to register as soon as possible.

"Signing up by this weekend helps us with the main hotel lottery," said Maggie Schnering, Daytona Trip coordinator. "We push sign ups now so we know where we're at. It helps us know our budget so we can book the main band as well. Last year we announced it at an end-of-February, beginning-of-March date."

While everyone gets excited for the announcement of the Daytona band, students got top billing at Wednesday night's Daytona Idol at Milano's, where contestants belted it out for the chance to win a free trip.

"I've been trying to decide which song I should sing for about a week," said Idol contestant junior Emily Cooper. "I really hope I win!"

Other Daytona Week events included a Monday night informational meeting and the Daytona Royalty event Tuesday night. New to Daytona Week 2010 is the Daytona package, which includes the purchase of a $1 wristband at the door of one of the week's contests, attending at least one additional event and coming to sign ups. Completing all this could lead to winning a free trip and a first hotel spot.

This year, the first hotel is Plaza Ocean Club, second is Ocean Shore Resort, third, Conch House, fourth, Seaside Inn and fifth, Mayann Inn Beachfront.

Staying right above the pool deck is one reason students hope their names get called for first hotel, but for junior Moira Cummins, two-time Daytona veteran, it's not the hotel that matters.

"Honestly it's just being there that's important. It's the one week during the year when I don't have to worry about school or work at all and the only thing to do is have fun with my friends," she said. "I hope to get in the first hotel, but I really won't be mad if I don't. It's always an amazing experience no matter which hotel you're in."

The experience of Daytona is one unique to UD students. While it is a time to relax by the pool or on the beach with friends, there is more to the trip than just socializing. Students have numerous opportunities to do service for the Daytona community, including working with The American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Columbia Childcare Charity, Council on Aging and Give Kids the World. More information on getting involved in these activities will be given as Daytona gets closer.

It also is time for reflection and remembrance of the loss of 2007 UD graduate Garrett Loiselle, who passed away from cardiac arrest May 12, 2007. On Friday May 7, 2010, the Daytona committee has planned the day for students to have the opportunity to relax and participate in larger service events in his memory. Sporting events are also planned for that day as new activities.

Festivities in Daytona include a pig roast and pool deck activities. An exciting change for 2010 is that the pool deck will extend beyond the pool boundaries and include a part of the beach blocked off for UD students. A final event for the week is senior sendoff, in which friends spend their last days as college students, enjoying their final time together and saying their goodbyes.

"For me, Daytona has been something I look forward to every year with my friends, an inspiration to work hard during exam week, because I know we'll be making the trip together come May," senior Kelly Englehart said. "This year it's a little different. Instead of packing for Daytona and shopping for new swimsuits that last weekend I'll be in the UD arena graduating. It's sad to think about, but my past three trips have been worth it so I'm looking forward to spending this last one with my best friends."

To sign up for Daytona or learn about the hotel lottery, go to the Daytona Web site at http://www.dayton2daytona.com. For travel details, go to http://www.daytontodaytona.com/Your-Trip/Travel.