Picnic Day at UC Davis promises to celebrate its family-friendly traditions on Saturday, April 16, with the university and community working together to address the problems that marred aspects of the campus's annual open house in 2010.

Over the last year, a workgroup — with representation from Picnic Day student organizers, the campus, city, law enforcement and the business community — has taken a comprehensive approach to preserving the Picnic Day experience.

Major initiatives include scaling back event publicity and emphasizing the family nature of the event; voluntarily curbing the early service and promotional pricing of alcohol in the city; enacting increased penalties for violations of the law and student conduct code; encouraging responsibility and safety for hosts and attendees at private parties; and increasing the presence of law enforcement, the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and university staff.

UC Davis managerial economics major Charlie Colato, who chairs the student-run event, says its board of directors chose the theme of "Rewind" to encourage Picnic Day-goers to hold to the spirit of that first day spent picnicking around a new university barn in 1909.

"Picnic Day is meant to showcase the best of the university and its students," said UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi. "We are committed to assuring that it continues to do so."

Davis Mayor Joe Krovoza said inviting the community and region to Picnic Day to share the fun, creativity and discovery of campus is a truly gracious gesture. “Working collaboratively, we'll ensure that Davis on Picnic Day retains its luster for families and everyone who comes,” he said.

For more information about major initiatives related to this year’s Picnic Day, with contact information, visit http://news.ucdavis.edu/download/uc-davis-and-community-initiatives-for-picnic-day-2011.pdf.

UC Davis' annual open house attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy more than 150 activities including a parade, entertainment, educational exhibits, tours, a children's fair, sporting contests and animal events. Food booths offer a variety of world cuisine and traditional festival food; alcohol is prohibited. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://picnicday.ucdavis.edu.

At the 2010 event, the city of Davis Police Department had a high volume of calls for service, with 33 arrests mostly for public drunkenness, drunken driving and fighting. The UC Davis Police Department made four arrests for public drunkenness and a narcotics violation, issued 13 citations and made 59 warnings.