RATHNELLY DAY 2026 EVENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, June 20 (RAIN OR SHINE)
8:30 AM OPENING PARADE
Gather at Hardy’s Corner (Rathnelly & McMaster) dressed in your theme-inspired attire. Feel free to bring along all manner of noise makers to help us wake up any sleeping neighbours as we parade through the community!
8:45 AM YOGA
Start the day with increased energy, balance and mindfulness by joining Lisa Mitchell in a gentle yoga practice for residents of all ages.
9:15 AM BREAKFAST AT PUMP PARK
Head into the park for a remarkable feast, complete with a themed festive breakfast fair! Please consider doing your part to keep the Republic green and bring along your own plates, cups, and cutlery to breakfast!
9:30 AM KIDS CRAFTS + CITIZENSHIP TESTS
Immediately following breakfast, innovative crafts keep little hands busy, and minds entertained while parents chat. Or both kids and parents can put out their Canadian trivia into play and see who knows enough to be awarded their Canadian Citizenship.
9:45 AM DIGNITARY ADDRESS
Josh Matlow (City Counsellor) will be joining the breakfast festivities.
10:00 AM KIDS PHOTO
We will commemorate this special event with a group photo – so don’t let your little one leave until they’ve hollered “CHEESE”!
10:15 AM BEST KIDS COSTUME CONTEST
Our younger residents will have a chance to strike their best poses. And while every costume will no doubt be award-worthy, the top 3 will win a prize!
10:30 AM KIDS GAMES
Come out to participate or spectate (both equally rewarding) as our kids compete in various events. No child is too young or too old and the FINALE is always a delight to watch!
12:00 PM LUNCH
Each to their own…homes that is!
1:00 PM CAPTURE THE FLAG
Meet at Hardy’s Corner and participants will be grouped into teams before heading into the park to capture the flag! Recommended for citizens 9+.
2:00 PM BALL HOCKEY
Grab your stick, helmet and gloves and head to the rock behind Hardy’s Corner for a traditional game of Canadian ball hockey. No stick, no worries - there will be extras on hand and balls and nets will be provided. Adult coaches/referees in force. Recommended for citizens of all ages.
2:00 PM HISTORIC WALKING TOUR
Meet at Hardy’s Corners for a “whirl-wind tour of the Republic" – uncovering the unique history and discovering exciting details of famous neighbours and events in the hood.
4:00 PM DiNNER TABLE SET UP
Tables will be available at Hardy’s Corner all afternoon and can be set up on Rathnelly any time after 4pm. Please remember to leave the cross section at Hardy’s Corner clear for our adult mingle and dancing.
5:00 PM KIDS DINNER
A favourite part of every kid’s day…dinner. We’ll have kid-friendly favourites on offer for our junior Rathnelly residents.
5:00 PM RAFFLE & SILENT AUCTION
Back by popular demand – the Rathnelly Day Silent Auction and NEWLy introduced thrift shop. Bid on some great prizes and support the Republic. Also last chance to buy extra raffle tickets. Winning raffle tickets and auction bids will be announced before dinner.
5:30 PM KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
The children will be well entertained as the magic happens behind the Rock at Hardy’s Corner.
5:30 PM ADULT MINGLE
The adults can enjoy time mingling with neighbours. Bring along an appetizer for sharing and if you like, an entry to the Best Cocktail/Mocktail contest. We’ll also be voting on Best Adult Costume. Judging will get underway at 6 pm.
7:00 PM DINNER
Head to your table for a personally prepared meal. In the spirit of community and to ensure we are compliant with emergency vehicle access regulations, tables should be lined up in one long run along the length of Rathnelly and closest to the East side of the street, allowing for some space in between to allow for easy transition. Remember table décor is judged and creativity is applauded. Know of a neighbour new to the Republic? Please consider inviting them to join your group for dinner!
8:15 PM CLEAN UP
Dinner is officially a wrap and dancing up next. Please pack your belongings, grab garbage & recycling, and run it all back to your house. Once your hands are free, hurry back to stack your tables behind Hardy's Corner and let the legendary Rathnelly Day dance party begin!
8:30 PM LIVE MUSIC & DANCING
Join your neighbours for dancing in the streets as the band “The 17th Fret” performs live in the intersection at Hardy’s Corner - FUN FOR ALL AGES!
11:30 PM CLEAR THE STREETS
Don't forget to remove all chairs and remaining items from the street, along with any final garbage or recycling. And help ensure the streets are spic and span by picking up any garbage you might come across as you make your way home!
11:59 PM ALL QUIET
Streets must be clean, clear and blockades removed. Feel free to lend a hand as we ensure that the streets are once again accessible to residents and emergency vehicles.
