A 50-foot man stuffed with shredded prison documents will go up in flames tonight at Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe.
Zozobra, or "Old Man Gloom" is burned to rid spectators of their troubles of the previous year.
Thousands of people, including UNM students, will attend the 80th burning.
"We have so many surprises for the 80th anniversary that I can't go into details," said Ray Valdez, Zozobra coordinator. "You have to come to Zozobra to find out."
Old Man Gloom is a "hideous, but harmless 50-foot marionette," and is set ablaze to start off the Fiestas de Santa Fe, a tradition since 1712, according to the Zozobra Web site. Valdez said it is the best show and most amazing show in Santa Fe.
The fiestas are routinely scheduled the weekend following Labor Day.
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The first thing on the agenda was to load the beast and get it onto the field, Valdez said.
Volunteers spend four hours Wednesday night putting the final touches on the marionette.
"It is such a success because of the dedication and commitment of volunteers that know the money they are raising goes toward children causes in Santa Fe," Valdez said.
Conceived by local artist William Shuster in 1924, Zozobra is now the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club's largest fund-raiser.
The event has raised more than $300 million since 1952.
Proceeds fund 22 scholarships for high school seniors and grants for more than 20 local non-profit organizations.
Liesel Sharabi, a UNM student, said she hasn't been to the event but was thinking about going tonight.
"I heard it is the best party you can have on a Thursday night," she said.
Many organizations rent buses for the event, including UNM Recreational Services, which had room for 40 people. Tickets for the bus are sold out.
Last year's trip was canceled due to lack of interest.
The bus leaves UNM at 3:45 p.m. and will return around 10 p.m.
According to the Santa Fe Kiwanis Club Web site, the burning of Old Man Gloom is planned yearly with cooperation from the Santa Fe City Council.
Construction of the puppet requires over 3,500 volunteer hours and takes about three weeks.
Gates will open this afternoon at 2 p.m.
Entertainment is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. and will feature acts such as the Manzanares, Estilo, Malicious Truth, Rhythm Vertigod and The Hollis Wake.
Zozobra goes up in flames at dusk.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at businesses throughout Santa Fe and also at Albuquerque Borders locations.
Tickets are $10 at the gate, but organizers encourage people to buy them early.
"Don't wait until the night of the best show in Santa Fe to buy your ticket," said Valdez, in a news release.
A map to this year's festivities is available at www.zozobra.com.
