Picnic Day: Don't Get Wasted, Get Involved!

For many Davis students, Picnic Day is probably the most anticipated day of the year.

Unfortunately, while the event tries to promote a family atmosphere, Picnic Day has come to be associated with day-to-night parties, causing problems between Davis students and residents of the community.

In fact, the drinking has gotten out of hand on multiple occasions, resulting in
arrests, accidents, and even death.

In response to the threat of Picnic Day being cancelled permanently, UC Davis students enacted a grassroots campaign last year called "Handle Your Sh*t."One of the primary goals of the campaign is to encourage students to party safely, if they choose to do so.

So, how do I handle my sh*t?

Rather than wasting the entire day getting drunk, I get involved.

Last year, I spent the morning and part of the afternoon working in a food booth for the Hawai’i Club. Afterwards, I performed in Davis Dance Revolution (DDR), a dance competition (with two $1,000 prizes for the top two teams!) held on the evening of Picnic Day.

When you have other obligations, it's not only about you. If you choose to get trashed that day, you’re letting down way more than just yourself.  

On Saturday, I plan to check out the Doxie Derby, eat liquid nitrogen ice cream,
and perform with the Japanese American Student Society in the Multicultural Children's Faire on the lawn in front of Hoagland Hall. Look for us around
noon!

It will be my second and last Picnic Day. I want to remember it all by staying sober.