Member Spotlight – All Schools Day
McPherson County is buzzing with excitement as the 112th annual All Schools Day approaches, bringing with it a week-long celebration of community, tradition, and student achievement. First held in 1914 to honor eighth-grade graduates, the event has grown immensely over the past century into a cherished local festival. Today, it stands as one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the nation, drawing crowds of all ages to enjoy the parade, performances, and a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Led this year by Chairperson Lindsay Helms, the 2025 theme, “A Galaxy of Possibilities,” promises a full schedule of events that highlight the vibrant spirit of McPherson.
The festivities kick off with the Button Hunt and then midweek with traditional events like May Fete, featuring fifth-grade students performing the classic May Pole dance.
The much-anticipated carnival arrives at Wickersham Park on Thursday, May 8, and will run through Saturday with rides and games provided by Weee Entertainment. Friday is the biggest day of the week, starting at 8 a.m. with community yoga at Memorial Park, followed by the grand parade and a flyover at 10:30 a.m. Participating downtown businesses will offer special sales and discounts to those wearing the official All Schools Day button, which can still be purchased at various local spots. For those unable to attend the parade in person, you can still watch as it, like May Fete events, will be live-streamed by Ad Astra Radio.
The celebration doesn’t slow down after the parade. Attendees can also enjoy events such as the Baby Crawl, Madathon, and Playtime in the Park. Friday night features a free concert at Wall Park with performances by local favorite Artifact and former American Idol contestant and Kansas native Makayla Brownlee, followed by a dazzling fireworks show. On Saturday there is a 5K fun run/walk and even a pickleball tournament. Lindsay Helms, visibly honored to lead this year’s efforts, emphasized how the event thrives because of the community’s involvement, whether through volunteering, sponsoring, or simply showing up to celebrate. For a complete schedule of events and more information, visit allschoolsday.com. To see photos from Chamber Connections hosted by All Schools Day go here.