The Super Bowl celebration got off to an early start in Turlock Saturday as the city honored its local star, 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
A giant tailgate party was held at Pitman High School, where Kaepernick graduated.
“It is so exciting. Unbelievable, yes,” said Pat Cray, a 49ers fan.
Emotions are ramped up for the Super Bowl. Not only are the 49ers are in it, but a hometown boy is leading the team.
“The whole town is so excited. It's brought everybody together. We're so proud of Colin Kaepernick. He's such a wholesome kid. Great role model for all the kids in the country, so we're all rooting for him to do his best,” said Pam Vieira, a longtime Turlock resident and 49ers fan.
Mayor John Lazar showed off a certificate the city drew up proclaiming this to be "Colin Kaepernick Weekend."
“We’re just so proud and pleased. Not just pitman high school where he attended, but the city of Turlock in general is so pleased,” said John Lazar, Mayor of Turlock.
Friends and fans of the quarterback signed a poster wishing him luck.
Tiffany Ramirez grew up with Colin. She's proud of his accomplishments.
“Because I know a lot of kids are looking up to that. They're looking to aspire to something bigger now and I think that's really cool,” said Tiffany Ramirez.
On display were pictures of a much younger Kaepernick, as well as a letter the athlete wrote when he was in 4th grade. Bret Sutterley was his teacher.
“He said at that time that he could either play for the Niners or Green Bay Packers,” said Bret Sutterley, Kaepernick’s former teacher.
He is and now Kap has the chance to win a championship.