Written by Sophia Shen

Roaring cheers, touchdowns, barbecue. These are some of the many staples of Wildcat Weekend. With the event creeping up on Saturday, October 19th, students, families, faculty, and alumni alike are eagerly anticipating the annual tradition with excitement. Prior to Saturday, students can engage in thrilling and amusing spirit days throughout the week, including the usual rituals of blue and gold day, pajama day, and more. Spirit Representatives Evie Shurslep ‘25 and Esaias Gonzalez ‘25 are hopeful to boost engagement this year through simple yet energizing spirit days.

This year’s Wildcat Weekend will be jam-packed with must-see games. The weekend starts on Friday with Varsity Volleyball’s home game versus Holy Child. Saturday will include the other four varsity games: Boys Soccer against Columbia Prep, Girls Soccer against Columbia Prep, Field Hockey against Masters, and lastly, Football against The Dalton School. The football game is Shurslep’s favorite event of Wildcat Weekend, as it “usually gets the most turnout, making it fun to see everyone there!”

Another much-anticipated tradition is the Rye Country Day School Fall Fair, featuring Upper Schoolers running booths for their fellow peers and Lower and Middle School students. Mr. Kyle, Upper School Dean of Students, is predicting another successful Fall Fair, and he hopes the weather will be more supportive this October compared to last year’s rainy day. Although Kyle is often worried if everything will function as planned, he is proud to say that “the students always come together and make it work. Fall Fair has been here since [he] was in high school, and it’s great because it’s run for the kids, by the kids.” The Fall Fair is a great way for Upper School class governments and clubs to fundraise, but it is also a vital part of the weekend’s energy and community.

To close off the day, RCDS will be hosting alumni for the annual reunion. The school will welcome back alumni who graduated in years ending in 4 and 9 with a cocktail reception and dinner. The class of 1974 will celebrate their 50th year reunion this year in the Pinkham main hall and dining room. The Rye Country Day 2024 Wildcat Weekend is expected to be a major success, and the entire community is encouraged to attend!