By Sandra Chalmers: Editor-in-Chief

CSUSM will be celebrating Homecoming week Oct. 18 through Oct. 23 with an array of festivities including free food, carnival booths, and live music.  Attendees are encouraged to bring in nonperishable foods to each Homecoming event, as CSUSM competes against other universities across the county to end hunger. The Colleges Rock Hunger Canned Food Drive strives to help the San Diego Food Bank in making the largest donation of non-perishable foods.

Monday Oct. 18, 12 to 1 p.m. at Kellogg Library Plaza

Join Crash, our very own cougar mascot, in the True Blue games that features a fun obstacle course while enjoying free Chipotle food.

Tuesday Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Women’s Center FCB 5-102

Celebrate culture and crafts at the Women’s Center by making sugar skulls, paper flowers and mini shrines in honor of Dia de Los Muertos. For more information visit www.csusm.edu/wc

12 to 1 p.m. at Kellogg Library Plaza

Sign your group up to enter in a “Battle of the Air-Bands” for a chance to enter into the finals and perform at the Clarke Grand Salon at 6:30 p.m. Free frozen yogurt will also be provided during U-Hour, while other refreshments will be provided for the later evening event.

Wednesday Oct. 20, 1 to 2 p.m. at Kellogg Library Plaza

Free pizza will be offered at the “leave your blue print” event, where graffiti art from students is encouraged.  This event gives student a chance to get creative and leave an artistic impression in remembrance of time spent at CSUSM.

6 p.m. at The Clarke Grand Salon

An 80s Homecoming movie event, featuring a Michael Jackson moonwalk competition, 80s costume contest, and free food offer a time to make a great college night to remember.  A screening of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and 80s trivia completes this blast from the past event.

Thursday Oct. 21, 1 to 2 p.m. at Kellogg Library Plaza

Cool off with fun water activities, such as water balloon toss and enjoy refreshing treats from Starbucks and Chic-fil-a.

5 p.m. San Diego’s Sports Arena

Through ASI’s Campus Rec, students can purchase tickets to see the Lakers for $30 each.

Friday Oct. 22, 12 to 4 p.m. in Lot T (Near Chavez Circle)

Enjoy the Homecoming fall festival with carnival food vendors, carnival games and free giveaways.  Activity booths include a rock climbing wall, photo booths and a bungee trampoline.

Saturday Oct. 23, 12 to 4 p.m. at the Mangrum Field

Enjoy a pre-game BBQ for students, alumni, and faculty before CSUSM women’s soccer team goes head to head with Embry Riddle at 12 p.m.  Men’s soccer game begins at 2:30 p.m. vs. Embry Riddle.

8 p.m. Masquerade Ball at House of Blues San Diego

Students with tickets to this sold out event will enjoy dancing and fun at this year’s annual Masquerade Ball.

For full list of homecoming week events, sponsors, and more, please visit www.csusm.edu/asi/cab/homecoming2010.com