A 20-foot rock wall was surrounded by Bakersfield College students, which was one of the many things provided by the Student Government Association for the Homecoming Week: A Week Around the World.
On Oct. 15, homecoming week was kicked off with African day, which brought authentic food and West African music.
Pedro Castro, one of the workers on the rock wall, helped strap students.
“This is an easy job,” said Castro “but when a person begins to panic and fall, that’s when it gets ugly.” Students needed to sign a sheet saying that they cannot sue the school if there is any injury.
Ann Tatum, John Gerhold and Jeff Chudy were among the BC faculty staff in a dunk tank outside the Campus Center.
Students participated by throwing a softball at the target and knocking a staff member into the cold water.
There was also authentic food provided like marinated chicken, pita bread and African Rice.
Southwestern day was all country with a mechanical bull flinging riders off left and right and music played by KUZZ on Oct. 16.
“This was my first time riding a mechanical bull; it was pretty intense. I had a lot of fun,” said Jonathan Prine, business administration major.
Free servings of deep pit beef, beans and rolls were given out while supplies lasted.
“It’s all fun, and it’s good students (that) are having fun. That’s all that counts,” said Karl Estill, SGA secretary.
A missile dropkick was executed by Eduardo Ricalday, 19, in a sumo wrestling suit on Asian day. An inflatable ring was being used by oversized wrestling suits and some referees making sure each match was fair on Oct. 17.
“Dude, did you see me do the drop kick on that guy?” asked an excited Ricalday to his group of friends.
At 11:15 a.m., local band Get up Get Down played mellow acid rock outside the Campus Center. The trio band had bizarre beats and smooth guitar play throughout their two-hour show.
The food for this day was delayed, but the SGA got a long line of hungry orange chicken and white rice- loving students.
A scheduled Kendo (Japanese fencing), Iaido (Japanese swordsmanship) and Kodudo (classical weaponry) demonstration were canceled because of unknown reasons.
The last day of homecoming week was Roman day. Free Little Caesars Pizza was given to all who wanted some.
“A guy came up and took off with a whole box, but I caught up with him, took the pizza back and turned him in,” said Sharon Lyndsey, domestic violence major.
Hot 94.1 provided music and a chance to win tickets to Fright Fest at Magic Mountain.
A jousting arena was also provided for students to challenge one another.
“Oh yeah, the joust was fun. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be, though,” said Nelson Lewis.
Also, throughout campus, signs for homecoming king and queen were posted to try to win students’ votes.
The king and queen winners were Michael Waite and Jamie Miller, which was announced at the football homecoming game on Oct. 20.