McPherson County All Schools Day Returns for 113th Year With 'Star Spangled Celebration'
The May festival ties its patriotic theme to the nation's 250th anniversary
MCPHERSON, Kan. — The 113th annual McPherson County All Schools Day will return May 8 with a "Star Spangled Celebration" honoring the nation's 250th anniversary.
Co-chairperson Lindsay Helms, who also led last year's event, said the festival continues to grow beyond its historic centerpiece — billed by organizers as the longest-running parade in the United States.
"It's my favorite day of the year," Helms said. "I just love how it harnesses every person in the county."
Helms said organizers expect a large turnout this year, with Saturday graduation ceremonies for McPherson High School, McPherson College and Central Christian College falling on the same weekend as the festival.
The holiday dates back to 1914, when most rural students did not attend school past eighth grade. A local school director, unable to travel across the county to hand out diplomas individually, invited all students to McPherson for a centralized ceremony and parade, with many early attendees arriving by train.
Today, the tradition remains anchored by the Friday parade — where residents begin staking out seats as early as 1 a.m. — and the Madathon, a messy, non-competitive "kids' Olympics" for fifth- and eighth-graders.
Funding relies on business sponsorships and the sale of official event buttons and T-shirts — available at Stewart Sports and at allschoolsday.com — which go on sale April 1 and serve as admission passes for various activities.
In recent years, organizers have expanded the schedule with newer traditions, including a morning yoga session in the park. Partnering with Elysium, the sunrise workout draws about 75 to 80 participants before downtown food trucks open serving Pronto Pups, funnel cakes and smoothies.
The celebration will conclude with the second annual "All Schools Day After Dark" concert at Wall Park beginning at 6 p.m. The lineup includes 17-year-old Moundridge native Rylan Unruh, the band HYWY 14 and headliner Blaine Younger, whose set will be split by a fireworks show. Four food trucks will be on site, and trolleys will shuttle attendees from nearby church parking lots.
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