Second annual Gage Park Founder’s Fest expanded to two days of free family-friendly fun

TOPEKA (KSNT) – There’s a big celebration planned this weekend to honor the history of a beloved Topeka park.

Gage Park was founded in 1899 and is one of the largest parks in the Capital City. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation is marking the occasion with the Founder’s Fest.

The event, now in its second year, is expanding with even more family-friendly fun.

“This is our first two-day event,” said Dustyn Whyte with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. “The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will be free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. And then in the evening we have a history program developed by one of our Shawnee County Parks and Rec leaders that will be presented at Helen Hocker Theater from 6:30 to 8 p.m.”

There are even more activities planned for Saturday. This includes free mini-train and carousel rides, and free admission to the zoo with a nonperishable food donation.

The Founder’s Fest will be held Aug. 29-30. Events scheduled for the fest include the following:

• Saturday, Aug. 29.
  • Helen Hocker historic presentations on the park: 6:30 p.m.
  • Kansas Children’s Discovery Center free day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 30.
  • Topeka Zoo free admission.
  • Concerts at the Gage Park Amphitheater.
  • Rolling Thunder vehicle exhibit.
  • Touch-a-Truck.
  • Food trucks.
  • Free mini-train and carousel rides: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Merchant Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Community Resource Fair: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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