Topeka ? Kansas Democrats have changed the name of their annual February celebration in Topeka to Jefferson-Jackson Days.

For years, the event has been known as Washington Days, so named because the festivities typically are scheduled near the Presidents Day holiday, which honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Party leaders made the change this weekend during their other statewide gathering, Demofest in Wichita, with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ support.

“Washington wasn’t a Democrat,” said Pat Murray, executive director of the state party. “For a Democratic event, we think it makes sense to use the names of Democratic presidents.”

Murray also said Democratic parties in other states have “Jefferson-Jackson” events.

Washington, the first president, served from 1789 to 1797 and had hoped the nation could avoid the formation of political parties.

Thomas Jefferson, the third president, serving in 1801-09, led the predecessor of the modern Democratic Party, while Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, serving in 1829-37, was the first chief executive to have the affiliation.