Food, fun and a "fresh and fabulous" TGFS Idol contest are in store at the staff picnic this year.

The picnic is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at Shields Grove, at the west end of the arboretum.

Organizers said people should bring sunblock and something to sit on. Oh, and do not forget your lunch tickets -- paid for by the university.

People in various departments and units around campus have been designated as department contacts for ticket purchases; you should check with your contact before buying a ticket on your own.

A list of department contacts is available online, at www.cevs.ucdavis.edu/Cofred/Public/UC. Department contacts must use this same site for making bulk ticket purchases. The cost is $2 per person for staff and $9 per student.

Transportation -- Due to budget constraints, the TGFS Committee cut three buses from this year's transit plan, leaving eight routes in place, mostly from outlying locations.

TGFS Chair Lina Layiktez encourages people to walk or bike to the picnic. A priority food line will be set up for Aggies On the Move walking groups, and Transportation and Parking Services will operate a bike parking valet service.

TGFS Idol -- Layiktez said TGFS Idol contest organizers are hoping for a competition this year that is "fresh and most importantly fabulous."

According to the TGFS Idol Web site: "Your talents can range from singing, dancing, juggling, magic tricks, telling jokes, stupid human tricks -- the sky's the limit!" The entry deadline has been extended to noon April 28.

Logo contest -- Entries also are being sought in the TGFS logo contest -- not for the 2008 logo, but for next year. And, because 2009 is UC Davis' centennial year, TGFS organizers want to see the centennial logo in the TGFS logo.

The centennial logo is available for viewing and downloading at centennial.ucdavis.edu (click on "Toolkit"). TGFS logo entries are due by 5 p.m. May 2, and voting is scheduled during the May 7 picnic.

TGFS also includes these activities:

Bowling Tournament -- Continuing April 29 and 30, and May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with sign-ups still being taken. Starting times are 5:30 p.m. for practice and 5:40 for competition.

Fun Run-Walk -- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. May 6. Registration $4 by May 2, or $6 at the event. The run is 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles; the walk is 1.5 miles. The start-finish line is the grassy area next to the Segundo Dining Commons just north of the Activities and Recreation Center.

Golf Tournament -- Starts at 7:30 a.m. May 3, Davis Muni Golf Course. Four-person scramble with a blind bogey.

Volleyball Tournament -- Began March 31.

Merchandise -- If you are bowling, or participating in the Fun Run-Walk, or playing golf or volleyball, or just going to the picnic, you are invited to buy TGFS T-shirts, water bottles and buttons. Merchandise is being sold online, and a limited supply of these items will be available at the picnic.

Staff pins also are being sold online. If you wear your pin or a TGFS 2008 button at the picnic, you will receive an extra ticket when buying raffle tickets ($1 apiece).

Complete TGFS information is available online, staff.ucdavis.edu. Click on "TGFS" in the index near the top of the page, then click on the activities and contests in which you are interested, or "merchandise and sales" or raffle. The raffle page lists prizes, and includes a link where you can buy tickets in advance for $1 each or $10 for 12.