March 2004

Briefly speaking: Festivals entertain, inform

	A Native American performs during the powwow that accompanies Native American Culture Days.

This spring, a series of public festivals will celebrate the diverse cultures, rich history and all that makes the UC Davis campus special.

Native American Culture Days, kicks off the season April 5 through 9. This will be the 33rd year for the event, which honors the contributions of Native Americans through lectures, art, culture and dance. Native Americans will gather on the Quad the weekend of April 3 and 4 for a powwow, a public event that includes drumming; dance contests; and food, art and craft vendors.

The California Aggie Marching Band-uh sets the tone for the Picnic Day parade.

On April 17, UC Davis hosts Picnic Day, the campus's annual open house and what is believed to be the largest student-run event in the country. The event includes a pancake breakfast, a parade that winds through the streets of downtown Davis, athletic events, entertainment, departmental displays and more.

Marking the 90th year of Picnic Day, this year's theme is "Shifting gears for 90 years." "It implies that we're moving forward but with a firm foundation in what has been accomplished in the past," says Picnic Day Chair Lexer Chou.

Asian Pacific Culture Week begins April 19. The highlight of this event, which features music, dance, food and speakers from the diverse Asian Pacific Islander community, is Culture Night on April 24. The popular show shines the spotlight on student and community performers.

	Three young Picnic Day visitors show off their entry for -- and favorite to win -- Picnic Day's popular Doxie Derby.

The Whole Earth Festival, UC Davis' celebration of counter-culture, will be held the weekend of May 7 on the Quad. With music, arts, crafts and lectures focusing on the environment, political and social activism and alternative living, the event draws loyal crowds of students and community members.

Chicano and Latino music, food, history and art are at the heart of La Raza Cultural Days, which begins May 10. The week culminates with La Gran Tardeada, a daylong festival on the Quad May 15.

Black Family Week, beginning May 17, is the final celebration of the spring. It concludes with Black Family Day May 22, which includes an African American fraternity/sorority step-dancing contest and children's festival.

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