Note to self: Put up sheep fencing. Find power supply for entertainment stage. And whatever you do, don't forget to turn off the lawn sprinklers.

These odd tasks are among the 70 or so that student Curtis Mann must still complete before the University of California, Davis, welcomes about 50,000 visitors on Picnic Day Saturday, April 20.

As director of operations for what is believed to be the largest student-run event in the country, he is one of 16 student directors and 400 plus student volunteers working with faculty and staff members and alumni to make the annual event happen.

"It's the hallmark event at UC Davis, and it lets everyone see all that goes on here," Mann says.

The senior history major is creating the infrastructure for the open house themed "Open Mind, Open Door" and featuring more than 150 events, activities and exhibitions as diverse as sheep dog trials, live music performances and sporting events.

Following opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. on North Quad Avenue at Veihmeyer Hall, Picnic Day will swing into full gear. Some of the day's highlights include:

• The annual parade -- featuring 65 floats, bands and other special entries -- will wind its way through campus and parts of downtown from 9:50 a.m. to noon. Winemaker Robert Mondavi and his wife, Margrit, who donated $35 million to the university last fall, will serve as marshals.
  
• The Chemistry Magic Show will run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Chemistry 194. The popular event features demonstrations of chemical reactions as well as activity centers for attendees. Tickets for morning shows are distributed at 9:15 a.m. and for afternoon shows at 11:45 a.m.
  
• Among the more cerebral events will be presentations on bioterrorism, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 1322 of Storer Hall, and on global warming, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 195 of the Physics and Geology Building.
  
• The 32nd Annual Irving L. Neumiller Moot Court Competition at the School of Law will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Two moot court teams will face off before a panel of distinguished judges.
  
• Dachshunds will race in Recreation Hall at the traditional Doxie Derby from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sheepdog trials will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Hutchison Field. Jack Russell terriers will race from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tercero Field.
  
• Teams of mini robots built by students in a UC Davis electrical engineering class will maneuver through an obstacle course in 2205 Haring Hall from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The UC Davis team will compete against robots from other California universities.
  
• From 2 p.m. to sunset, visitors can sit on the lawn by Lake Spafford and listen to the Cal Aggie Marching Band-Uh go head-to-head with other college bands in the Battle of the Bands.
  
• The Multicultural Children's Faire and Children's Zone, outside Hart Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature a coloring contest, juggling lessons, unicycle lessons, storytelling and multicultural crafts.
  
• The 19th annual pancake breakfast, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in Freeborn Hall, will be one of the highlights for alumni. Other gathering places for alumni include an information gazebo on the West Quad, featuring face-painting for children and free memorabilia photos, and the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
  
• More than 60 groups will offer a variety of entertainment -- from Korean drumming and an exhibition of ballroom dancing to hip-hop and gospel choir music -- on six stages.

Food concessions will be available throughout campus, and parking is free. Alcohol is not permitted.

For more information, from driving and parking directions to a schedule of events, visit the Picnic Day Web site.