For about 220 Troy Kindergarten students, the answer to the question, “What day is it?” was an enthusiastic “Kindergarten Day!”

The City of Troy hosted “Kindergarten Day” Thursday and students from Hank Jones Early Childhood Center, Pike Liberal Arts School and New Life Christian School participated.

“The kindergarten students from all schools within the city limits were invited,” said Janet Marshall, city programs manager.

“This is the eighth annual Kindergarten Day that the city has hosted and everybody involved looks forward to it.”

The students visited the city’s fire department, police department, library and city hall.

“The purpose of Kindergarten Day is for the young students to learn about the city and the services that it provides for them and their families,” Marshall said.

“It is also a way for the city to thank the teachers and administrators for educating our kids and for the great job they do.”

The day’s activities also included a puppet show by the puppet ministry of First Baptist Church in Troy, which is under the direction of Michael O’Hara, and a dress-up photo shoot for the students.

Courtney Smyth, HJECC teacher, said the students were excited about Kindergarten Day and had looked forward to it. Smyth said Kindergarten Day is day for learning, as well as for fun.

“This is a good way for the children to learn about the community,” she said. “We have studied about community helpers and today they got to see where these community helpers work and more about what they do for us.”

Shelia Jackson, Troy tourism director, said the students will one day be contributing members of the City of Troy, or some other place they call home.

“We have a wonderful city and we want the children, at an early age, to know about and appreciate the services that the city provides for them,” she said. “Kindergarten Day helps the children understand that there are people who work every day to keep them safe and to make their city a great place to live and work.”