Clubs, organizations, students, faculty, staff and alumni are putting forth an extra effort to make this year’s homecoming a memorable one.

“This will be the biggest homecoming of the year,” said Richard Rojo, director of Strategic Communications.

Sacramento State’s annual homecoming week will celebrate the 60th birthday of Herky, the school mascot. The celebration will begin Monday and end Saturday.

The week will feature a series of events, contests, and concerts that will lead up to the traditional football game against Montana State University, following the Homecoming Festival Saturday, Oct. 13.

The football kickoff will be at 2:05 p.m. at the Hornet Stadium.

One of the main special activities taking place this year to celebrate Herky’s 60th birthday is a YouTube video contest in which those interested may submit a video-tribute to Herky. The winner receives an 80 GB iPod Classic and the People’s Choice Award winner will receive a 4 GB iPod Nano. The deadline for the event is Oct. 12 by 12 p.m.

The homecoming festival, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., will consist of a Tailgating Zone, a Hornet Zone and a Kidz Zone. The Tailgating Zone will feature Greek Reunion tailgate areas for Sigma Omega Nu, Sigma Pi and Phi Beta Sigma. The student and alumni/community party who demonstrates the most hornet pride will receive a $200 cash prize.

Julian Garcia, president of fraternity Nu Alpha Kappa and communications junior, looks forward to seeing Sac State alumni engaging in homecoming.

“My primary goal is to get alumni to participate and to celebrate the 60 years Sac State has been established,” Garcia said.

The Hornet Zone will include music by Mumbo Gumbo, KSSU DJs and athletic team demonstration booths. The Kidz Zone will feature jump houses, face painting and a mascot meet and greet.

To find out more about the various homecoming activities, visit http://www.myspace.com/sacstatehomecoming.

Evelyn Bigelyaizen can be reached at [email protected].