Did you know that the UC Davis Library houses Picnic Day history dating back to the very first one? Digitized programs and pictures have immortalized this student-run event for good, creating a treasure trove of campus history for Aggies to enjoy. We’ve picked out some of our favorite photos and put them alongside fond memories from recent Picnic Days, keep scrolling to enjoy and reminisce!

1. The First Picnic Day and the Last Picnic Day

Starting us off strong is a picture of the very first Picnic Day in 1909! Compared to the parade scene at last year's Picnic Day in 2023, the clothing and visitor count are just a few of the changes that have happened over the years. 

2. The Livestock

It wouldn't be Picnic Day without our favorite Davis cows (and sheep and goats)! Whether at a petting zoo or as part of the parade, the city's cutest farm animals have always graced the event with their presence. Has anything even changed?

 

3. The Parade

The parade is one of the biggest and most anticipated parts of Picnic Day, so there's no wonder it has so much history! From horseback riding (something still seen at Picnic Day today) to tractors to flower floats, these pictures alone span from 1913 to 1968. Seen at last year's Picnic Day, penny-farthings, Unitrans, student-powered floats and more have become parade staples.

 

 

 

4. The Doxie Derby

This historical photo of everyone's favorite sporting event is a special find, so just take a moment to enjoy the perennial cuteness of racing dachshunds!

5. The Exhibits and Demonstrations

UC Davis has been showing off its educational and research offerings at Picnic Day since at least 1916 and still continues to this day. These historical photos show the Division of Viticulture's grafting house (1916), a horticultural display (undated), the landscape department (1930), a natural history exhibit (undated) and some agricultural engineering mechanisms (undated). Last year's Picnic Day featured a cooperage demonstration, free fig trees, an interactive landscape with the DataLab, rats and the Museum of Wildlife, Fish and Biology.

 

 

6. The Band

Between their role in the parade and the Battle of the Bands, the UC Davis Marching Band is another essential part of Picnic Day! These two drum majors, one from the 1950s and the other from 2023, lead their bands through campus streets with equal dedication.

 

 

7. The Food

Carbonated fruit beverages, picnic marmalade and milkshakes were just some of the food offerings at Picnic Days of the past. This fruit booth (undated) and food menu (1916) were selling their food for pennies! Recently, some of the food has become more experimental, whether it's sorbet made with liquid nitrogen or endless kinds of honey. 

8. The Live Performances

Live performances have always been and still are some of the most exciting parts of the day! The pictures below show a melodrama (1961), the Piedmont Highland Lassies performing in the parade (1964) and a singing group gracing the quad with music (1954). From last year, a live band and the UC Davis Marching Band captivated audiences.

 

 

9. The Fashion Show

This student-centered fashion show features student designs and models, in both the past and the present. Always well-attended and eye-catching, this yearly show is another key Picnic Day event. Often featuring a special guest or two, LeShelle May struts her stuff in the 2022 show!

 

10. The Dogs of Davis

Did you know that there used to be sheepdog trials at Picnic Day? These cute collies were tested on their working abilities by herding sheep. These days, dogs are still widespread at Picnic Day. However, they're more often resting than running! 

Don't miss Picnic Day on April 20 for this year's parade, dachshund race, student performances and more! Follow @ucdpicnicday to keep up with official Picnic Day updates, and follow @ucdavis.life for more student events and opportunities. Check out the official ASUCD Picnic Day website for more information about the upcoming Picnic Palooza.

About the author

Robin Dewis, a fourth-year English and Medieval Studies double major, is the editorial and content creation assistant at Student Affairs Marketing and Communications.