McPHERSON, Kan. — The 2026 McPherson County All Schools Day celebration returns May 1–9, bringing together students, families, schools, businesses and neighbors for one of the county’s most beloved annual traditions. 

Event highlights include: 

• Button Hunt beginning Friday, May 1
• May Fete performances on Wednesday, May 6, at Lakeside Park Bandshell and Thursday, May 7, at McPherson High School Auditorium
• All Schools Day Carnival throughout the week
• All Schools Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, in downtown McPherson
• Baby Crawl at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 8
• Madathon at 1 p.m. Friday, May 8
• Plaza Jam, Playtime in the Park, McPherson Museum Ice Cream Social and BPU Electric Safety Demonstrations on Friday, May 8
• ASD After Dark and fireworks Friday evening, May 8
• All Schools Day 5K Fun Run on Saturday, May 9

“All Schools Day is one of those traditions that tells you exactly what kind of community McPherson County is,” said Kasi Morales, Go McPherson. “Students and schools matter here, and are celebrated here. You can feel that community pride everywhere you go.” 

The celebration began in 1914 as a way to honor eighth-grade graduates from across McPherson County. What started as a simple graduation gathering has grown into a countywide spring tradition that celebrates students of all ages while bringing generations of families and neighbors together. 

What makes All Schools Day special: 

McPherson schools alone serve approximately 2,400 K-12 students, with additional students from communities throughout McPherson County participating in the broader All Schools Day tradition. 

One of the most anticipated student events is Madathon, a favorite among students and spectators. The event invites fifth and eighth graders from across McPherson County to participate in a lively “kid Olympics” featuring activities such as water balloon volleyball, obstacle courses and Kool-Aid spitting. 

For Go McPherson, the celebration is also a reminder of why families and workers continue to take interest in McPherson County as a place to live, work and belong. 

“All Schools Day shows what we mean when we say McPherson County is a place where people are invested in one another,” Morales said. “It is one thing to talk about community. It is another thing to see downtown filled with families, students, teachers, businesses and neighbors all celebrating together. It feels like a countywide reunion, a community festival and a celebration of what makes this place special all rolled into one.”