Free burgers, loud music, a dunk tank and one big group photo; “Swarm Day” on Thursday was so hot that the catering chef was pouring ice cubes down his back.

Students battled the heat and swarmed to the Library Quad in the name of complimentary goodies and a chance to hurl a softball at the dunk tank, plunging Ken Morton, recreational sports coordinator, into the murky waters below.

In true Homecoming fashion, Morton dressed up like Northern Arizona’s mascot, the Lumberjack, and continuously taunted students to dunk him in the tank.

After many missed attempts and a few “awes” from the crowd, Jennifer Millsap, program director for Student Life and Services, took the initiative and pulled the lever, sending Morton flying.

Soon after, Chris Lange, a senior forward on the men’s basketball team, hit the target submerging Morton for a second time.

“He used to be my old boss, that’s why I had to get him,” Lange said.

The official “Swarm Day” photo was snapped four times. To help arrange bodies for the Kodak moments, Christine Hopkins, vice president of university affairs, and other Homecoming Committee Staff directed students to their places in the Library Quad.

Also in the photo were the football, basketball, cheer, and the dance teams in green and gold attire. Festive green and gold colored balloons anchored the sides of the picture while Sac State’s mascot Herky, a giant inflatable hornet, floated in the back.

The Sacramento State Dance Team performed following the picture.

“It’s always great to come out and support the event,” Lindsey Allred, team captain, said

Also taking part in the picture and carnival activities were the Homecoming Royalty. Ashley Rubin, a senior majoring in liberal studies, was one of the finalists on the court and said she is excited about her chance to be involved in the Homecoming celebration.

“I’m having a great time out here,” Rubin said.

Behind the performance, a stack of smoke and wafting smells of barbecued meat signaled lunchtime. A barbecue cooking about 50 patties was being tended to the caterer Ink Eats and Drinks, a local Sacramento restaurant with an American bistro-style menu.

Hopkins said that the Ink crew volunteered at the last moment to cater the event, taking a huge relief off of the Homecoming Committee’s shoulders.

To wash down the burgers and chips, Pepsi donated 600 cans of soda and bottles water.

Other snacks available to students were pink cotton candy and yellow popcorn, popped and shoveled into paper bags.

“The picture was taken, this is just an extra bonus for the students,” Hopkins said of the free carnival festivities.

Several student booths lined the quad grass, inviting students to play games and win prizes.

Peak Adventures dared students to attempt the “Humbler,” a physical challenge where a student would walk on suspended ropes from one end to the other and earn a prize upon succeeding.

“It’s fun because you get whacked around,” Kevin Borrelli, Peak Adventures manager said.

A KSSU CD toss was available and prizes awaited those who could get CDs through the targets. Several pairs of Unique tickets were offered for students who got three CDs through, Gabby McGrath of KSSU said.

Homecoming festivities will continue Friday with the Homecoming Pep Rally featuring an ice cream social, the crowning of the King and Queen, music by Funkengruven and fireworks. The rally begins at 6:30 p.m. in Serna Plaza.