In a year when UC Davis is emphasizing sustainable living, Picnic Day 2007 hopes to be the pinnacle of that message. This year's motto is "Making our Mark," and student planners hope the campus's 93rd annual open house achieves that goal by being as socially responsible as possible.

Picnic Day, in which the school shows itself off to an expected audience of 50,000 to 60,000 people, is UC Davis' single oldest tradition and has remained student-run since its inception. There are more than 150 events across the campus that appeal to the entire family, ranging from face painting to dog shows to exhibitions of futuristic cars.

'Earth-friendly'

Last year, the event made headlines for its commitment to being environmentally friendly, most notably with a "zero-waste Quad." Picnic Day organizers teamed with R4, the campus unit that promotes recycling and sustainable waste management, to ensure that every item used on the central fairgrounds, be it Frisbees, plates or utensils, was made from 100 percent recycled materials or biodegradable cornstarch.

That same earth-friendly consciousness will be a focus this year as well. The "zero waste Quad" will return and all the posters and signs will be made of recycled paper. This being the second year of the partnership with R4, the organizers hope that the reused or renewable materials can be integrated more seamlessly into the standard routines of all the events.

And building on that foundation of awareness, Picnic Day organizers hope to extend the message of responsibility into social arenas. Donation stations will be set up at more than 25 sites around the campus, and visitors are being asked to bring canned goods, which will be donated to the Yolo County Food Bank.

"Part of making our mark as students, teachers, or members of the community, is helping out others and being responsible members of society," said senior Linda Tran, who is returning for her second year as chair of the event. "If every person brought at least one can, that is a major contribution; it would be over 50,000 cans donated to the food bank."

The biggest addition to this year's festivities, and part of the charitable emphasis, is the Non-Profit Fair. Organizations from all over Yolo County and down to the Bay Area, such as the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, will have informational booths on campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the lawn in front of Olson Hall.

According to Tran, the intent of the Non-Profit Fair is to help people make a difference — not only on Picnic Day, but every day afterward: "By giving these nonprofit groups the forum to spread their message, it makes it easier for anybody who is interested to get involved and assist with the cause they are passionate about."

Aside from these new additions, Picnic Day's perennial favorites and staples will return in full force. They include the Chemistry Magic Show, the student Fashion Show, the 34th annual Doxie Derby (Dachshund races) and, of course, the Battle of Bands.

Music has always been a central element to Picnic Day and the eight stages spread around the campus will feature an eclectic mix of musical acts from around the area.

And as any experienced Picnic Day goer can report, there are myriad free giveaways that dot the campus, including liquid nitrogen ice cream and a make-your-own-lava-lamp exhibit, both presented by the Department of Chemical Engineering. One of the most coveted freebees is offered up by the renowned Department of Viticulture and Enology: a limited number of grape vine giveaways.

For a list of all events and exhibits, go to picnicday.ucdavis.edu or pick up a schedule on campus.