Golden State Today

UC Davis recently celebrated its 110th student-run open house, Picnic Day, a vibrant event that showcased a mix of tradition and innovation on campus.

The event kicked off with a parade featuring campus and community groups, led by Parade Marshal Sheri Atkinson, who expressed her delight in the role, stating, "It was such an honor to serve in this role. I enjoyed awarding the floats as well as riding in the parade."

Among the highlights was the award for the best vehicle and float, which was presented to a team from Archives and Special Collections at UC Davis Library. Kevin Miller, who led the department, described the experience as a "real team effort and a lot of fun," highlighting the dedication that went into recreating a 1957 float for the occasion.

Elsewhere on campus, the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art engaged visitors in activities related to the "Year of the Eggheads," celebrating the 30th anniversary of Robert Arneson's iconic public art installation. Cesar Chavez, manager of visitor experience at the museum, remarked, "It was the coolest thing to see. They were just so focused," reflecting on the creativity displayed by participants in making their own Eggheads.

The day was filled with a variety of activities, from making Eggheads out of clay and papier-mâché to enjoying Picnic Day staples like the Doxie Derby, laser maze, and the Battle of the Bands. Attendees also had the opportunity to cool off with ice cream made with liquid nitrogen and engage in unique experiences such as maggot art and climbing into a fire truck.

Overall, Picnic Day at UC Davis offered a diverse range of experiences, blending history with contemporary creativity to provide a memorable showcase of the campus community's spirit and innovation.