Thousands of yellow rally towels whipped through the air at Tim Hortons Field Saturday night, as fans danced on seats and belted out song lyrics along with hometown heroes the Arkells.
Dubbed "The Rally," Hamilton's biggest outdoor show in decades was attended by an estimated 24,000 people who braved a terrible forecast that threatened thunderstorms to see the rock group play during its only stop in the Golden Horseshoe this summer.
In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamOnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HamOnt</a> with 24,000 of our friends. Thank you. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArkellsRally?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArkellsRally</a> is all we could have dreamed of and more. <a href="https://t.co/AtX8C0ACfN">pic.twitter.com/AtX8C0ACfN</a>
—@arkellsmusic"We're the Arkells and we're going to do our best for you tonight," shouted frontman, Max Kerman before kicking off the concert.
That massive turnout was the biggest the city has seen since 1975 when more than 50,000 Pink Floyd fans packed Ivor Wynne Stadium, according to Tourism Hamilton.
Are you looking for the people's champ? They're right here at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArkellsRally?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArkellsRally</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamOnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HamOnt</a> <a href="https://t.co/c02e8zUz0l">pic.twitter.com/c02e8zUz0l</a>
—@HamOntMusicBike ride before a rock show
The main event capped off a day packed with activities focused on all things Hamilton.
The band joined fans for a ride on the city's Sobi bikes from Gore Park to the stadium.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArkellsRally?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArkellsRally</a> Ride to Tim Hortons Field. Safety first. Huge thanks to everyone who joined and <a href="https://twitter.com/SoBiHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sobihamilton</a> for organizing! And thanks to The Cannon Bike Lane for existing. <a href="https://t.co/JNpv05YKwf">pic.twitter.com/JNpv05YKwf</a>
—@arkellsmusicMore than a dozen area vendors also set up shop outside the field's Cannon Street Entrance during the afternoon to sell local art and food.
The Arkells also hit some distinctly Hamilton notes, playing Ticats are Hummin, the band's CFL stadium anthem.
After 10 <a href="https://twitter.com/arkellsmusic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arkellsmusic</a> shows, all-time highlight was hearing Ticats are Hummin' while standing on the field at Ivor Wynne last night 💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OskeeWeeWee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OskeeWeeWee</a>
—@MalloryPeirceMy Heart's Always Yours
The show ended with the band breaking the city's 11 p.m. curfew by playing a heartfelt rendition of My Heart's Always Yours as fans sang along.
Rally time! <a href="https://twitter.com/arkellsmusic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arkellsmusic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArkellsRally?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArkellsRally</a> <a href="https://t.co/LD9mLA1bP0">pic.twitter.com/LD9mLA1bP0</a>
—@ScottHerkes"Thank you for being with us tonight," shouted Kerman. "This is more than we could have imagined."
Rock on <a href="https://twitter.com/arkellsmusic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arkellsmusic</a>! <a href="https://t.co/UzZgzpLj2n">pic.twitter.com/UzZgzpLj2n</a>
—@DanTaekema