Davis Hopes Picnic Day Continues Family-Friendly Trend

This Saturday will mark the 100th annual "Picnic Day" at U.C. Davis.  Students, teachers, and the police hope the day's focus is on plants and animals and not unruly tourists and college students.

Picnic Day at U.C. Davis marks its 100th anniversary this weekend.  After some difficult times, the school says the event has returned to its family-friendly roots

Picnic Day has 200 official events scheduled that include: a parade, dachshund races, maggot art, a magic show, and free strawberry plants.

In 2010 and 2011, the unofficial events also included fighting, assaults, and alcohol abuse.

U.C. Davis Police Chief Matt Carmichael says the department, school, and city worked together to identify problems and solutions.

"A majority of those arrests that were from out of the area, you know looking at that and how we market and how the university markets and ensuring that we get the message out, but make sure it's the right message, which is Picnic Day is really about community."

Carmichael says restricted alcohol sales and smaller crowds have helped return the event to its family-friendly feel. 

About 140 officers will be on duty in the city and on campus tomorrow.

About 1,500 students have signed a pledge to enjoy the day responsibly.