We asked UC Davis students what they love about Picnic Day

Every UC Davis student has an opinion on Picnic Day, and most of them are positive. It’s undoubtedly the city and university’s biggest event of the year.

Here’s what a few students had to say:

Rachel Rusalka, 3rd year Russian major

“I like the atmosphere, I like the fact it’s really lively and people make it festive. They wear flower crowns. Families are here together which is nice to see. The animals were fun, I really enjoyed seeing them.

“Some of the floats in the parade were really interesting, such as the decorated unitrans bus and the horse drawn carriages. The whole day felt like one big spectacle and it was really fun.”

Isabel Kraus-Liang, 3rd year Sociology and Applied Statistics double major

“In my time here at Davis, the first one was actually before I was a freshman. I came up when I was a senior in high school and I came with some friends. I had just been accepted to UC Davis a few weeks before and wanted to see the campus for myself.

“It was between UC San Diego and UC Davis, and I made my decision to go to UC Davis based on Picnic Day.”

Cristian Mojica, 3rd year Music and Psychology double major

“Something that I always look forward to on Picnic Day is the free concert that the UCD Symphony Orchestra does. It’s accessible and it allows the community to see what we are doing and witness the musical talent UC Davis students have to offer. I performed in the concert on Picnic Day during my freshman year, playing the violin, and I attended the performance last year.

“There’s always this wonderful community aspect to it especially when you enjoy the festivities with people you know. This year, the Newman Center will have its first fundraising booth at the quad selling chicken adobo tacos and gulaman, so that will be exciting as well.”

Danielle Gagliardi, 4th year Creative Writing Major

“I never experienced the festivities on campus, but the day itself gives the students a chance not to be stressed.

“Picnic Day gives me an opportunity to put those worries to the side for a short time. We get together as a community and have fun together, and I really enjoy that about Picnic Day.”

Jasen Westmoreland, 4th year Organization Sociology major

“I was bummed when I missed out on Picnic Day due to work, but thankfully I did manage to go last year. I remember my grandparents came up and we walked around. I showed them around campus, it was really lively with all the people and action going on that day. It was overall a pleasant and enjoyable experience and I was glad to share it with them.

“It was amazing to see the energy on campus. It is an energetic campus on most days, but it hit a new high on Picnic Day.”

Ivan Ornelas, 3rd year Communication major

“Essentially what Picnic Day is is the transformation of the city and campus of Davis into an amusement park.

“It lacks the typical aspects of an amusement park such as high tech rides and  flashy lights, but there’s still lovable animals, astounding shows, and of course long lines. Davis isn’t a huge bustling city like Los Angeles or San Diego and doesn’t have that same kind of nightlife, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a quirky, vibrant city rooted with a tradition of agriculture, animals, nature, and small town unity.

“Picnic Day is the embodiment of everything to love about the city and the university. Davis keeps it 100 every day, but especially on this day, and that’s why we should always embrace our qualities every day as well as unique people.

“On the day itself, I love seeing and interacting with the animals whether it’s a tarantula or a cow, the music and food are great, gotta love the parade, and the liquid nitrogen ice cream was cool (literally). You have to try very hard not to have fun on Picnic Day, and with so much to do, one thing’s for sure: you can’t go wrong.”