Racker is excited to announce a new family-friendly community event: Racker’s Day in the Park kicks off on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, from 12–3 pm at Stewart Park in Ithaca!

After 12 years of extraordinary generosity and support, raising more than $1.5 million for Racker’s Early Childhood programs, Racker is celebrating the legacy of the Racker Rivals Big Red charity hockey game with a community-wide event and a new long-term fundraising strategy: Even Years We Party, Odd Years We Play.

Racker’s Day in the Park will be a family-friendly fundraising celebration supporting Racker’s critical programs for people with disabilities. Held at the fully inclusive Stewart Park, the event will feature appearances by the Big Red hockey teams, live music from Flame the Band, free carousel rides, food trucks, a sensory pathway complete with crafts, movement activities, lawn games, prizes, and other inclusive, mission-focused activities for all ages.

Racker Rivals Big Red will return in 2027 and continue every other year during odd-numbered years. This rotating schedule allows Racker to introduce fresh experiences, engage new audiences, and better align with the needs of community partners and supporters.

Racker is deeply grateful to the coaches, community leaders, sponsors, and longtime supporters who have embraced this vision. With music, activities, community joy, and something for everyone to enjoy, Racker’s Day in the Park is set to become a new summer tradition in Ithaca. Racker invites the entire community to come celebrate, connect, and be part of a day filled with fun, inclusion, and with a major impact while helping build a stronger future for people with disabilities and their families. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 29th 12-3pm at Stewart Park for Racker’s Day in the Park!