Briefly speaking: Spring features public festivals

Spring is on the way and, along with it, a line-up of fun and educational events on campus. So get out the calendar and mark the dates. These spring festivals promise plenty of food, music and entertainment for all ages. Admission is free, and only a few of the individual events require tickets.

The six major spring festivals, including Picnic Day and the Whole Earth Festival, were started by students, and most became university-sponsored programs during the late 1960s through the 1980s. Four of the events celebrate individual cultures and help foster awareness, appreciation and acceptance for diverse cultures and their contributions to the campus and society at large.

Native American Culture Days: April 7-11

Following tradition, a Sunrise Ceremony will start off the 37th year of Native American Culture Days. The week's events will include opportunities to learn more about indigenous people and their culture, such as a youth conference, art show, film festival, and a Day of Unity performing arts showcase.

Picnic Day: April 19

Rain or shine, some 50,000 visitors are expected to gather at UC Davis to celebrate its 94th annual open house. Picnic Day is one of largest student run events in the nation and will host more than 150 events from children's crafts to a chemistry magic show and from concerts to a fashion show. This year's theme is "A Kaleidoscope of Voices."

"When you look into a kaleidoscope, what appears to be just a jumble of shapes and colors come together to create a beautiful mosaic," said Michelle Chan, chair of this year's festival. "We're celebrating the diversity of individuals that makes UC Davis special."

Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable utensils and cups to reduce the environmental impact of such a large event.

Asian Pacific Culture Week: April 21-25

Activities for the 35th annual Asian Pacific Culture Week begin with "Kickoff on the Quad," a noontime celebration featuring music, dance, food, games, and student organization booths. The week continues with presentations by speakers from diverse corners of the Asian Pacific Islander community.

La Raza Cultural Days: April 28-May 3

La Raza Cultural Days includes a student organization fair, youth outreach and empowerment conferences, art exhibits, political forums, performing artists, seminars, films, and talent show. The week culminates with the daylong La Gran Tardeada celebration that draws students, families, alumni and the surrounding community. The day will feature a children's fair, health fair, live entertainment, exhibits and traditional foods.

Whole Earth Festival: May 9-11

In a celebration that has become linked with Mother's Day weekend, the Whole Earth Festival will carry this year's theme of "Mending Our Web." The community-driven festival featuring music, education, arts and crafts seeks to encourage ecological sustainability.

Black Family Week: May 12-17

Black Family Week celebrates the various cultures of people of African descent. Numerous presentations promote an awareness and understanding of the educational, social and artistic achievements of African people. A highlight of the festival is the family day on the Quad with food, entertainment and a children's fair. There will also be theatrical and dance performances throughout the week, along with assorted workshops and a job fair.