‘Hey Day’ marks 65 years as Kemptville hospital fundraiser set to return next month
A long-running Kemptville tradition is marking a major milestone this year.
The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary is celebrating the 65th anniversary of their garage sale fundraiser ‘Hey Day’.
First held in June 1961, ‘Hey Day’ is the longest-standing tradition in Kemptville and one of the largest indoor garage sales in eastern Ontario, a KDH press release details, issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The fundraiser is set for Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre arena. It’s volunteer-run and supported through community donations, with all proceeds going to KDH.
Visitors to ‘Hey Day’ can expect to find clothing, linens, books, toys, sports equipment, electronics, housewares, décor, plants, baked goods, jewellery, furniture and more, the release notes.
‘Hey Day’s hours are expanding this year with the fundraiser opening at 4 p.m. and closing at 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, it’s open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Hey Day is such a wonderful community event that brings people together in support of our hospital,” said Sandi Kelly, Hey Day Convenor.
“It’s heartwarming to see such comradery and teamwork amongst our incredible volunteers, and how excited people are for Hey Day each year. The bustle and buzz of Hey Day is not something you want to miss!”
The Auxiliary is selling their 50/50 tickets sold for $2 each. Half of the ticket proceeds go to the hospital and half to the lottery winner.
In addition, the Auxiliary is doing a VIP Contest with the opportunity to win four passes to be first in line at ‘Hey Day’ on Friday, June 5, 2026. The winner will also get a $20 coupon to Lil’s Café for refreshments, and the runner-up will win a $10 coupon, the release details.
The contest will be available on the KDH Auxiliary Facebook and Instagram pages. Participants will be asked to ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ the post featuring the VIP contest, and ‘Follow’ the Auxiliary on Facebook/Instagram to be entered into the random draw.
The contest starts on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 and ends on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
“We think it’s a fun way to spread the word about Hey Day,” said Kelly.
“Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for the hospital, so please come out and support this wonderful event!”
Donations for the garage sale can be dropped off at the municipal centre on Wednesday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and sorting will take place the following day, on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
The Auxiliary is looking for volunteers to help sort donations and set up for the sale. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Auxiliary by emailing kdha.heyday@gmail.com.