ROCKINGHAM — With the 2026-2027 school year just around the corner, Discovery Place Kids hosted an event Thursday for those starting their first year.
During the annual Countdown to Kindergarten, each child was given a passport to get stamped at various booths set up around the museum as they made their way through the interactive exhibits.
Those booths included: the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; Rockingham Fire Department; Richmond County Partnership for Children; Richmond County Health Department; Safe Kids; and Valkyrie Jiu Jitsu.
Richmond County Schools had a bus on display outside, so children could see how some of them would be getting to class.
Sparky the Fire Dog and Fat Cat (from the State Employees Credit Union) made rounds throughout DPK, giving children high fives and hugs, and Puckered Up Lemoade was set up outside.
Museum Director Angela Watkins said there were 151 students registered for the event, which she added was the largest crowd since she was hired in 2021.
