104th Annual UC Davis Picnic Day

Since its inception in 1909, Picnic Day has become the crown-jewel event of the UC system and the signature event of UC Davis. Believed to be the largest student-run event in the nation, Picnic Day showcases the richness of diversity and achievement at UC Davis and the surrounding community in the areas of research, teaching, service, and campus life. This year, the whole community celebrated its 104th year of tradition and success with over 200 events and 75,000+ attendees.

This long-standing campus tradition began in 1909 when the University Farm invited the surrounding community to view their new dairy barn. Two thousand attended, bringing picnics to complement the coffee, cream and sugar provided by the University (though attendees had to bring their own cups). Following the success of the 1909 picnic, the faculty of the University Farm continued to plan and sponsor the event until a student committee took over the task in 1912.

Some number of years ago, our friends, Chris and Jan, graduated from this exceptional school. How incredibly special it was to wander about with them, sharing their collegiate memories.

A visit to campus wouldn't be the same without stopping by a fraternity party. Go Greeks!

We arrived just in time to see some of the parade. With 85 participants, no matter where you were in town, you caught a glimpse. I love a parade!

Happy 70th birthday Israel.

And what's a parade without an amphibious car? I want one.

This is actually student transportation named Unitrans #2. Bloody awesome.

For the last 46 years, the Doxie Derby has been iconic to UCD Picnic Day. The little dachshunds ran their hearts out, center stage at the Pavilion, looking to win first prize and the hearts of thousands in attendance! The laughter, from the zaniness of it all, made the event unforgettable.

There were far too many events to do anything as thoroughly as we would have liked which means we will have to return. I definitely want to return to Hutchison Field and experience more of their animal events. I mean who doesn't want to meet a Weimaraner or play with chicks?

Picnic Day wouldn't be without a picnic (and possibly a nap).

We seemed to have been drawn to Briggs Hall like moths to a flame. The Entomology Club put on quite a day of fun.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to stick my face in holes for photo opportunities. This place had a wonderful selection.

Words I never thought I would ever say, “Let’s paint with maggots!”

Yes, Jan and I got to create beautiful pieces of art using live maggots dipped in non-toxic paint. So dang fun.

And when does one get to sport a tomato bug on one's breast? Only at Picnic Day! There were a number of those unique opportunities.

Okay, the most fun was had at the Band-uh!’s Battle of the Bands. What’s not to love? Eight hours. Nine bands. Way fun.

Not only were the musicians extremely talented, they let their freak flags fly and we were entertained beyond measure. What a blast!

There is absolutely no words to describe what it was like to be an Aggie for a day! Thanks to Jan and Chris for an unforgettable experience. Let's go again next year.

posted under |