Cerritos College
Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

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Student Activities excited about Hoe Down Days

Talon Marks Online News
Talon Marks Online News

Talon Marks Online News

Cerritos College will be filled with smiles and laughter March 13 thru 15 during the 31st annual Hoe Down Days Celebration.

The annual three-day event will feature carnival activities, a chili cook off, a Mr. Cerritos contest and a luncheon.

“The dunk tank is my favorite,” said Amna “AJ” Jara, Cerritos College coordinator of student activities. Everyone gets involved; admin, faculty, staff and students. People are smiling; lots of fun.”

“On top of school, it gives you something fun to do.” said criminal justice and business major, Francesca Recart. “You got to stop by the dunk tank,” she said with a broad smile. “I won’t do it! No way; knowing who would want to do that to me.”

The first day is full of activities. Falcon Square is transformed to a country carnival complete with games, contests, magicians, entertainers, balloon and caricature artists and much more.

The carnival will be framed by booths where campus club members will be hawking for your attention. There you’ll find even more games and give-aways.

The festivities continue into the evening. Those who choose to linger past 5:30 p.m. can take advantage of the Social Science Free Food Give Away.

“We try to make sure there’s something for everyone,” said Jasmine Ramirez, ASCC president.  “It’s all put together for us to have a good time.”

The second day starts with the irresistible smell of secret-recipe chili warming up to a gentle simmer. Contestants will be adding the final touches in time for the 10:30 a.m. judging.

The chili will be judged in several categories including most original, best tasting and of course hottest. There was no shortage of volunteers for the 20 judge positions for this contest. Samples might be served after the judging is completed if there is any left. There will be plenty of water available.

While the chili samplers’ taste buds are cooling down, the crowd will be heating up for the annual Mr. Cerritos competition.

At 11a.m., on center stage, hopeful male students will be strutting their stuff as they vie for the coveted title. Talent, interview skills, and overall appearance will be among many aspects judges and the cheers of the crowd will rate during this popular event.

“There will be a little catwalk and everything,” Jara said. “They pick their own music, some lip-sync, some sing, some even bring instruments.”

The early birds will get closest to the stage as classmates and friends of the contestants get ready to cheer for their favorites.

“In the Mr. Cerritos contest, It’s like half hunks and half goofies,” said Recart. “Hopefully a goofey will win this year.”

Between contestants, students working at the campus club booths will be working the back of the crowd to take part in their games, contests and club giveaways. They’ll also be happy to talk about club activities and memberships.

The celebration calms down a bit for the final day. ASCC provides country music for their annual free luncheon. A disc jockey will fill falcon square with the sounds of country and western music from the Grand Old Opera to the current top-ten lists.

“When I first came here they used to have live country music and that was nice,” said Nancy Bonilla, Student Activities program director. “Over the years it hasn’t changed much. Our director has a vision for it to get bigger and better every year.”

Making it bigger and better is the behind the scenes work started long before the event begins.

“When I was a freshman it was fun to get involved with a booth and experience it as a student,” said Ramirez. “This year it’s been more about planning, committees, and funding, and looking at how much money we’re spending and what we’re spending it on.”

One change this year be launched during the luncheon.

The ASCC How Down Days photo booth will have its grand opening.The booth will provide free instant prints of participants celebrating the colleges historical roots. Cowboy hats, bandanas and other props will be available to turn the photos into personalized souvenirs of the occasion.

Free Lunch will be provided by In N Out Burgers. Like many of the other give aways during the three-day celebration, a student ID with current Spring sticker or staff ID card will be required.

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Student Activities excited about Hoe Down Days