Hundreds of students, alumni and community members camped from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today outside of the Alumni Center at Sacramento State and snacked on food from vendors, while listening to live music from afro-beat band, Mumbo Gumbo.

Alumni had a beer and wine garden to enjoy, while children took advantage of a “Kid’s Zone” that featured balloon-tying artists and an inflatable slide.

The Children’s Center led a children’s parade, featuring six children-carrying wagons and several mascots that pranced around the parking lots.

“The Alumni Center wanted to make this year’s tailgate more family-oriented,” said Katie Huemer, teacher at the Children’s Center. “A lot of children here are from the center, but some have come (from the community).”

One of several tailgates, hosted by 1974 Sac State alumni Francis Herrera and Mannie Meraz, featured a birthday cake in honor of the Herky, Sac State’s mascot.

“Tailgates are fun,” Herrera said. “We like the people…and we are the hornets.”

Herrera’s tailgate was one of six entered in the homecoming tailgate contest.

First place for student tailgates went to Sigma Omega Nu, while first place for the general public went to the self-entitled “Sherminator” tailgate. “Sherminator” is in reference to sophomore linebacker Bill Sherman. Sherman’s parents hosted the tailgate and won a plaque and a $200 American Express gift card .The Sherman tailgate featured an assortment of green and gold decorations and a long table of food that stretched over three parking spots.

Other homecoming winners included Tracy Fritch and Lindsay Blomberg, this year’s homecoming king and queen.

The homecoming court consisted of two men and four women. Candidates competed for points the previous week through interviews, essay writing and community service projects.

“I think everyone had a really good chance (of winning), because we’re all great student-leaders,” Blomberg said.

Andres Perez can be reached at [email protected].