From an exhibition of police dogs and a competition among marching bands to a demonstration of the magic of physics and answers to insect questions that bug people -- Picnic Day at the University of California, Davis, will have it all Saturday, April 21.

More than 50,000 people are expected to come to the campus's 87th annual open house, believed to be the largest student-run event in the country with 16 student directors and more than 500 volunteers.

Student chair Katie Nyman says the theme of the day is "Aggies Shine Together."

"Picnic Day is a day to celebrate the richness and diversity of campus life and the talents and research of students and faculty," Nyman says. "It provides a day of entertainment, enjoyment, and education for all those in attendance."

More than 200 events are scheduled throughout the day including exhibits, animal demonstrations, sports competitions, children's activities and entertainment -- from ballroom dancing to rap music.

The day begins with opening ceremonies north of Wickson Hall at 9:30 a.m. and a parade through campus and downtown Davis.

Honorary parade marshals will be Ted Adams, who retired last year as director of the Student Programs and Activities Center at UC Davis; Randolph Siverson, a professor of political science at UC Davis since 1967; and state Sen. Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo/San Francisco), who earned a political science degree from UC Davis in 1972.

Highlights among the day's other events include:

• dachshund dog derby -- 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Recreation Hall
• battle of the bands -- 2 p.m., Lake Spafford lawn
• sheepdog trials -- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Hutchison Field
• chemistry magic show -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 194 Chemistry Building
• cockroach races, insect zoo and Dr. Bug -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Briggs Hall
• police dog show -- 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Recreation Hall's north field
• multicultural children's faire -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hart Hall lawn

No alcohol is permitted at Picnic Day.

For a schedule and more information, visit the Picnic Day Web site at .

Media contacts:
-- Andrea Ellington, student publicity director, (530) 752-6320, picnicday@ucdavis.edu
-- Julia Ann Easley, News Service, (530) 752-8248, jaeasley@ucdavis.edu