Tent City is going tropical.

The popular tailgating area for West Virginia University Mountaineer football comes alive Saturday (April 17) when the lilt of island musicand deliciously seared aroma of authentic Jamaican foodcombine to drape a curtain of Caribbean charm over a place normally ruled by burgers, hoagies and rock �€~n’roll.

JamaicaFest 2004 kicks off at 10 a.m., prior to the annual Gold-Blue football game at Milan Puskar Stadium, home of Mountaineer Field. And, as its organizers say, raising money for University scholarship programs has never been tastier.

This is the third year for the event staged by WVU ’s Alumni Association and University Office of Social Justice. Proceeds help fund scholarships through the association’s Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund.

It’s a labor of love,said Jennifer McIntosh, a native Jamaican and WVU administrator who has been with the tropical tailgating event since its beginning. McIntosh directs WVU ’s Office of Social Justice.

I love introducing people to food from home,she said,and it’s even better when I can do that while raising money for student scholarships.

McIntosh will again work with Chef Jeff DeMoss for the fare that includes traditional favorites like jerk chicken and jerk pork.

The event annually draws hundreds of alumni, fans and friends, and 300 came out for the inaugural event two years ago. A turnout like that, WVU ’s Steve Douglas said, is what really told the tale.

We weren’t sure quite what to expect during that first year,said Douglas, chief executive officer of the Alumni Association.Then hundreds came out and bought tickets, and we just knew it would become a unique part of our alumni traditions here.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at Tent City, first come, first served. For more information, call the WVU Alumni Association at 304-293-4731.

Kickoff for the Gold-Blue game is 12:30 p.m. with proceeds once again benefitting WVU Children’s Hospital.