Close to 100,000 people are expected to attend Picnic Day 2009 on Saturday, April 18, and the 17 directors on the all-student Picnic Day board of directors are putting together the final touches for UC Davis' largest event and oldest tradition. A highlight of the campus's centennial celebration, more than 200 events will take place throughout campus and will include exhibits; shows; competitions; demonstrations; entertainment; animal, athletic and recreational events; Student Organization Faire; Multicultural Children's Faire; parade; and much more. All events and parking are free.

Picnic Day, in its 95th year, is one of UC Davis' most revered traditions and serves as the university's annual open house for families, alumni, staff, faculty, prospective and current students, and the greater Davis and regional community. For the centennial year, the board of directors has selected “Reflections: 100 years of Aggie legacy” for the theme. As UC Davis’ premier event, Picnic Day is a prominent reflection of the university’s founding, history, growth, achievements and future prospects. Picnic Day 2009 is the culmination of a 100-year legacy of excellence and diversity in teaching, research, service and campus life. Picnic Day will be a time to celebrate and reflect on the past as UC Davis moves forward into its next 100 years.

One of the largest student-run events in the nation, Picnic Day began in 1909 when the University Farm invited the surrounding community to view their new dairy barn. Two thousand people attended, bringing along picnic lunches. The sense of community that this first Picnic Day embodied continues to be reflected today in our everyday interactions, and the event has grown significantly since then.

Events officially begin at 9:30 a.m. with the opening ceremony at the grandstands. Brief remarks will be given by UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef and Picnic Day Chair Christine Pham. The parade marshals, alumnus Bob Black and current student Gabriella Wong, will lead the parade consisting of over 80 entries as it winds through campus and the heart of downtown Davis. Everything from floats, bands and the Wells Fargo Stage Coach to fire trucks, antique bicycles, hybrid cars and walking groups will show off the history and accomplishments of UC Davis groups and affiliates.

After the parade, attendees will have the whole day to choose from more than 200 events offering education and fun. Popular traditional events include the Battle of the Marching Bands in the beautiful arboretum, the Doxy Derby race, Chemistry Magic Show, Fashion Show, Moot Court Competition and liquid nitrogen ice cream.

There will be six entertainment stages featuring more than 50 music and dance performances including cultural, rock, alternative, classical, hip hop, folk and concluding with the Davis Dance Revolution in Freeborn Hall in the evening. For those with children, the Multicultural Children’s Faire will provide fun and interactive science and craft booths for children of all ages.

Guests may bring their own picnic food or select from a variety of different indoor and outdoor concessions. Many off-campus restaurants in downtown Davis are located within minutes of campus and provide a wide range of food and pricing options.

High school students, and prospective and admitted students are especially encouraged to attend. Picnic Day is a great way to see what UC Davis has to offer and to experience our unique campus and community atmosphere.

All ages are invited to attend this memorable and welcoming event. Most events will end by 5 p.m. For more information, the complete schedule of events and directions to the campus, visit the Picnic Day Web site at http://www.picnicday.ucdavis.edu or call the Picnic Day office at (530) 752-6320.

About UC Davis

For 100 years, UC Davis has engaged in teaching, research and public service that matter to California and transform the world. Located close to the state capital, UC Davis has 31,000 students, an annual research budget that exceeds $500 million, a comprehensive health system and 13 specialized research centers. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than 100 undergraduate majors in four colleges — Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science — and advanced degrees from five professional schools — Education, Law, Management, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.