The day started out with a thunderstorm and downpour, but in the end the only people who got soaked were the dunk tank participants.
Thank Goodness for Staff, or TGFS, on Wednesday (May 16) drew more than 6,000 staff members to Russell Field for an event with food, activities and giveaways.
"It's a day to feel appreciated as staff on campus and run into a lot of people we don't have a chance to see," said Alina Bara, an academic advisor in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science.
Rain was steady that morning, but by the 11:30 start time the sky had mostly cleared.
Facebook: Staff Assembly prepares despite the rain
UC Davis Staff Assembly: Rain or shine we are ready for you!!! Forecast calls for sun by lunchtime, food trucks are lining up!!
The annual picnic was one of three events held last week by Staff Assembly. Those who work swing and graveyard shifts each got their own celebrations that coincided with their schedules.
New this year at the daytime TGFS was a major expansion in food options: Instead of one caterer, 17 food trucks lined up on Russell Field, two parked outside the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, and one visited the campus Police Department.
"I like it better — there were more options," said Paige Jauregui, an ophthalmic technician in Student Health and Counseling Services, after finishing a plate of tacos. "I feel like we didn't wait in line as long."
As in past years, numerous activities lent a carnival-like atmosphere to the event:
Instagram: Drawing up some fun
Susan Johnson: Many years drawing now for the UCD TGFS employee picnic. Always fun! And luckily it stopped raining just in time!!
Twitter: Cornhole and Frisbee on Russell Field
UC Davis Dateline: A couple hours ago: thunderstorms. Now: perfect picnic weather (and activities) at #TGFS2018.
Boomerang video: The dunk tank in action
UC Davis Dateline: As #TGFS2018 warms up, a chance to cool off someone else in the dunk tank. Multimedia specialist Joe Proudman hits his mark.
Various campus units showcased the work they do:
Twitter: TGFFD
UC Davis Fire Department: Are you at #tgfs2018 today celebrating the awesome staff that make #UCDavis a great place to learn and work? Stop by our tent, learn hands-only cpr, and find out more about the services we provide to the campus community!!!
And supervisors and others volunteered to say "thank you" by serving dessert to staff:
Attendees of this year's TGFS can submit feedback through a Staff Assembly survey.