Free train rides, games and more at Founders Fest with Shawnee County Parks & Recreation

Train rides, games, music and fun are some of the things families can expect at this Shawnee County Parks and Recreation event.

Founders Fest, hosted by The Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Department, will include entertainment, free activities and educational opportunities for all ages. It will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31.

Sean Zears, marketing and communications supervisor for Shawnee County Parks and Rec, said Founders Fest is an event that took place many years ago, but one that they are excited to bring back.

"It wasn't like the way we're doing it," Zears said. "So, this is something that we're hoping we can start to grow and do every year. and most importantly it's a great opportunity for us to showcase Gage Park itself."

What all will be included at the Founders Fest?

The Founders Fest will include the following:

• Free Train Rides to and from the zoo. All rides will be free of admission. The train will make two stops in the park on each lap, one at the depot and one at the Carousel allowing riders to load and unload at each location.
• Carousel rides, free of charge.

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• Shawnee County's Rec and Roll Van with games and music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Interactive exhibits with the Kansas Children's Discovery Center's Mobile Museum. The mobile museum is expected to be present from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the History of Gage Park through a program led by Shawnee County Commissioner Bill Riphahn and SCPR recreation leader Devin Cooper, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Free train rides, games and more at Founders Fest with Shawnee County Parks & Recreation