Member Spotlight- All Schools Day
It’s May and do you know what that means? It’s time for McPherson County All Schools Day! This year’s All Schools Day Chairman is Denise O’Connor-Munsey. And with the help of many, many volunteers, and the All Schools Day Committee this amazing event has continued for many years!
This year’s theme is “Small Town, Big Dreams” and never could a theme be more fitting, starting with the All Schools Day (ASD) Button Contest. Participants in the contest are given the theme for the year’s event and then are let loose to be creative! The design selected for this year was submitted by Kevin Ivers. Kevin’s life story fits the theme to a T! He grew up in McPherson, moved out to California to study graphic art, and has now moved back with the intention of starting his own business, “Small Town, Big Dreams!”
Then there’s the ASD Parade’s Grand Marshal … Taylor Robertson. Taylor also grew up in McPherson. She played basketball and helped lead McPherson High to a state championship in her senior year in 2018. After graduating from High School, she went on to Oklahoma University and of course, played basketball. In January 2023, Taylor shattered the NCAA women’s basketball record for career 3-pointers made! Perfect choice for this year’s parade Grand Marshal and another great example of … “Small Town, Big Dreams!”
Denise said that the week of All Schools Day promises to be as good as ever! The carnival is back in the lineup of events. It will be in town from Wednesday, May 10th through Saturday, May 13th. There will be matinee times on Friday and Saturday and evening sessions Wednesday through Saturday. For the exact times it is open and the cost of the carnival, visit the All Schools Day Facebook page.
Also on Wednesday evening at the Lakeside Bandshell, and then again on Thursday evening at McPherson High School, you can enjoy May Fete. This program showcases the talents of school-age children from across McPherson County. Each evening will begin at 5:45 p.m. with the McPherson High School Jazz Band and then the May Fete program will commence at 7 p.m. There will be different performers each night, so you can see two great nights of entertainment! And what a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the talents of our County’s youth.
Friday is the BIG day! You won’t want to miss the Pre-Parade Sale at select Main Street merchants. The Pre-Parade Sale will start at 8 a.m. and go until 10 a.m. AND if you are wearing an ASD Button you will receive a discount! The All Schools Day Parade will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. in Downtown McPherson. Denise assured us that there will be lots of bands, lots of floats, and lots of people walking in the parade. She added this comment regarding the weather for Parade Day, “So everybody, your job is to pray for no rain … Please DON’T rain on my parade!”
On Friday afternoon at 12:45 p.m., check out the Baby Crawl which will be in Linnea Park, along with Playtime in the Park – Inflatables for the kids from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.! The cost for the Inflatables is $5 with an ASD Button. Madathon is back this year! It will be taking place in Linnea Park as well. This event will start with the fifth graders at 1 p.m. and then the eighth graders will get their turn at 3 p.m. Out at the McPherson Airport, youth airplane rides for ages 8-17 are available. The rides are from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Also, that afternoon folks can take a tour of the McPherson Fire Department from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. You’ll also want to stop in at the McPherson Museum to check out the ASD Exhibit! It will be open 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday evening the All Schools Day Street Dance will be held at 214E. Euclid, featuring the sounds of King Midas & the Muflers. Then when it gets dark enjoy the fireworks at Wall Park. It’s sure to be a spectacular way to end a fantastic day! Most of the All School Day events are free throughout the week as long as you have an ASD button. Visit the ASD website or Facebook page to determine the admission for the events.
Get your running shoes on and be ready Saturday morning because — the 5K Fun Run is back! Admission to participate in the Fun Run is wearing an ASD Button or $2. Start times for the run will be done in shifts. The adults 5K Fun Run’s start time is 9 a.m. The teens (ages 13-18) will begin at 9:15 a.m. The Youth/Kids (ages 5-7 and 8-12) will be at 9:30 a.m. The 5K Fun Run will be held at the new High School Community Field, 901 E. First Street. If you missed getting over to the McPherson Museum on Friday, don’t fret. You’ll have another opportunity on Saturday afternoon from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (Be sure you’re wearing your ASD Button!) Saturday evening is another concert featuring the groups Time&Space and The Damn Neighbors at 7 p.m. The concert will be at the McPherson American Legion, located at 401 N. Main. Admission is $15 with an ASD Button and $20 without a button.
The week promises to be fun-filled, with lots of good food, great music, and talented entertainment. Denise reminded us several times that All Schools Day would not be possible without the many ASD committee members, volunteers, and city police assisting in making the week-long event happen. If you know someone who is involved with helping to make All Schools Day possible, take the opportunity to thank them! We are truly blessed to have folks who care enough about this community to help make All Schools Day week a reality. THANK YOU! Photos from Chamber Connections hosted by All Schools Day can be seen here!