Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Kay McFarland on What Would Have Been Her 90th Birthday.

The public is invited to a special community celebration honoring the life and legacy of Chief Justice Kay McFarland on what would have been her 90th birthday. The event will take place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the Kay McFarland Japanese Gardens at the Topeka Zoo.

Hosted by the Kay E. McFarland Charitable Trust, the "Legacy in Bloom" celebration will take place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and feature inspiring remarks from community leaders, members of the Kansas Supreme Court, and the Schwartz family. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, family-friendly activities, and a moving butterfly release in honor of Justice McFarland’s lasting impact.

Chief Justice McFarland, the first woman to serve on the Kansas Supreme Court and later as Chief Justice, broke numerous barriers during her distinguished career. Her appreciation for beauty, peace, and community lives on through the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden, which was made possible by the Kay E. McFarland Living Trust. This stunning garden was gifted to the people of Topeka and developed in partnership with the Topeka Zoo and the City of Topeka as a place of reflection, celebration, and natural beauty.

Following the event, guests are invited to stay for a complimentary family concert by the Topeka Santa Fe Band, which will begin at 7:00 PM at the Gage Park Amphitheatre.

Event Details:
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM- Legacy Celebration with butterfly release at 4:30 PM
Location: Kay McFarland Japanese Gardens, Topeka Zoo, Topeka, KS

Join us as we honor a Kansas trailblazer and celebrate the enduring legacy of Chief Justice Kay McFarland in the beautiful setting she helped create.