Winemaker Robert Mondavi and his wife, Margrit, will serve as parade marshals as UC Davis kicks off its annual Picnic Day on campus Saturday, April 20.
More than 50,000 people are expected to attend what is believed to be the largest student-run event in the country. Picnic Day - featuring more than 150 activities and exhibitions - has served as the campus's open house since 1909.
The Mondavis were a natural choice to marshal the parade, says Andrea Schnitz, chair of this year's Picnic Day. "Their contributions have been wonderful for the school," she says. "This is our small way of saying 'thank you' because we really appreciate what they have done."
In September, the couple announ-ced a personal gift of $35 million to UC Davis to establish the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science and to name the campus's center for the performing arts, now nearing completion. The Mondavis also will speak at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' two commencement ceremonies June 16.
"Open Mind, Open Door" was the theme chosen by Picnic Day's board of 16 student directors. "This year's theme truly captures the diversity in students, education and accomplishments at UCD," says Schnitz.
Among the new activities this year will be John William Waterhouse paintings brought to life through the recreation of their settings and costumes in vignettes with live models. The day will also feature 40 animal events, 70 exhibits, 20 athletic events, a musical battle among marching bands, a student organization fair, six entertainment venues, an area devoted to children's activities and much more.
The 19th annual pancake breakfast, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Freeborn Hall, will be one highlight for alumni. Other gathering places for alumni include an information gazebo on the West Quad, featuring free memorabilia photos. And the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Generating excitement the week of Picnic Day will be a cow-milking contest April 17, an entertainment showcase April 18 and a mix of activities April 19 - all at noon on the Quad.
Picnic Day events will include:
- Opening ceremonies - 9:30 a.m., North Quad Avenue at Veihmeyer Hall
- Parade - 10 a.m., from Veihmeyer Hall through campus and downtown Davis
- Chemistry Magic Show - throughout the day, Chemistry 194
- Doxie Derby - throughout the day, Recreation Hall
- Entertainment on various stages - Coffee House, East Quad, Silo, Wellman Lawn, Hart Hall Courtyard, the grandstands and Freeborn Hall
- Multicultural Children's Faire and Children's Zone - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hart Hall lawn/courtyard.