Briefly speaking: Picnic Day welcome for parents

UC Davis is putting out a fresh welcome mat with a special destination and activities for parents on Picnic Day, UC Davis' annual open house on Saturday, April 17.

The event, believed to be the largest student-run event in the country, features more than 200 activities -- from exhibits and entertainment to athletic competitions and a children's fair. Organizers expect nearly 100,000 visitors, and Maria Zalesky, director of parent programs at UC Davis, invites parents to join the fun.

"Attending Picnic Day is a great way for parents to learn more about campus and witness the impressive and innovative work that is produced at UC Davis," Zalesky said.

Picnic Day is among several spring events, some including special family days.

Especially for parents on Picnic Day, the weekend begins with a Vintage Aggies Wine Tasting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday. UC Davis alumni vintners and brewers will pour their products at the new Hyatt Place on campus. The event is $15 for Cal Aggie Alumni Association members and $20 for nonmembers.

Saturday gets off to a hearty start with the 27th annual Picnic Day Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Freeborn Hall. Tickets are $10 for CAAA or Aggie Parent Association members, $15 for nonmembers and $8 for children under 12.

To reserve tickets for the wine tasting or breakfast, go to http://www.alumni.ucdavis.edu/rsvp or call (530) 752-0286.

The Alumni/Parent Zone is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Vanderhoef Quad, in front of the Mondavi Center. The newest Picnic Day destination will include live music, a kids' zone, a pet area, free photos and an information booth for the Aggie Parents Association.

Parent or alumni association members are invited to visit the members' VIP area from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Alumni and Visitor Center's AGR Room. Complimentary refreshments will be provided to members.

Other spring events

Picnic Day is among several special events on the campus in the spring:

Native American Culture Days continues through Friday, April 9. The grand finale is a powwow April 10 at the ARC Pavilion. The week celebrates the traditions and contributions of indigenous cultures and features Native American music, dance, storytellers and art.

Asian Pacific Culture Week is April 19 to 23. The week features workshops, discussions and performing arts highlighting the diversity within the Asian Pacific Islander Community. There's also a Culture Night April 23 in Freeborn Hall.

La Raza Cultural Days is April 26 through May 1, culminating with La Gran Tardeada May 1 on the Quad. The week is designed to educate the campus and community about the social, cultural and political issues facing the Chicano/Latino community, while celebrating cultural traditions and contributions.

Mixed Heritage Week, May 3 to 7, is an annual celebration of the mixed experience.

The Whole Earth Festival, an event held every Mother's Day weekend that celebrates Mother Earth, will have its 41st annual fair May 7, 8, and 9. It includes hundreds of arts and crafts booths, music and food, all presented in a sustainable, waste-free manner.

Black Family Week, May 17 to 22, celebrates African-American culture and raises awareness about black history. Black Family Day, May 22 on the Quad, includes food, entertainment, vendors and art.

For more information on the cultural days, go to http://ccc.ucdavis.edu/culture_days.html.