by Alan Hodge



HUNTERSVILLE – Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville celebrated its first year of operation with a birthday bash Oct. 21 to 23 that drew nearly 2,000 participants and included activities ranging from a masquerade ball to copious amounts of cupcakes.

The masquerade ball drew some dressed in costumes and masks enjoying food and fun such as scarf juggling. The ball was a fundraising event for Discovery Place Kids and took in $13,000 that will go to help support educational programs at the facility.

Since its grand opening on Oct. 23, 2010, the 23,000-square-foot Discovery Place Kids building in downtown Huntersville has ushered over 213,000 visitors through the doors.

“We have been very pleased with the number of visitors which is triple our projections,” said Barrett Long, director of Discovery Place Kids’. “People have come here from all 50 states. We are very proud of what we do here.”

Josie Lake of Charlotte and her 2-year-old son Liam made it a point to attend the birthday festivities. They spent some time enjoying juggling with staff member Chui “Chewy” Ng.

“We just love Discovery Place Kids,” Lake said. “We’re members and come here all the time.”

The Lake family was joined by hundreds of other kids and adults who made hats, birthday decorations, and other festive items to celebrate the Discovery Place Kids event. A special area was set aside where children of all ages decorated and devoured dozens of birthday cupcakes.

The Discovery Place Kids mascot Can Can was also on hand in her whimsical bright green and blue persona. Can Can’s name is based on the Discovery Place Kids’ theme of “I Can.”

Other activities on tap during the birthday weekend include shows on the Discovery Place Kids Town Hall Stage with plenty of singing and dancing.

To further add to the first birthday excitement, kids, parents, and caregivers enjoyed story-telling, made balloon animals, watched puppet shows, took part in science demonstrations on subjects such as magnetism and generally had a blast.