Fun for All . . . was the mandate for Sunday afternoon event. . . as I'd previously agreed to assist a friend with her  annual street Block Party.  I give the utmost props, respect, and much love to my Sista Friend Cynthia Battles and her earnest work in organizing this annual event for her neighbors.  Neighbors who ranged in ages from the mature adult, the teenagers and to the very young. 

 

This afternoon's event gave all the neighbors an  opportunity to get off their respective porches and mingle with others who live up and down the same street. It gave everyone a good excuse to exercise by walking up and down the street and enjoy the entertainment  arranged by Cynthia.  We were entertained by a Storyteller (thank you Sista Lois); an animated and innovated  balloon maker; a Caricature artist; a table for creating art pieces, using glitter, shiny  stones and markers.

 

With all the fun things to do, you can only image the fury of running children back and forth between each event 
spot, and in helping them stay energized, on hand were juicy hot dogs, drinks and sweets for all.  Not only were 
their stomachs, ears and eyes stimulated this afternoon, they were given a special gift bag to take home to 
continue keeping their imaginations flowing. Cynthia, who works at Beginning With Books, had on hand a donation of children books available for each child to choose a favorite to take home.

 

While the children were playing in the street, jumping rope, playing hopscotch, drawing pictures on black board 
road, tossing footballs, dribbling the basketballs, the parents sat on the porches or chairs by the street watching 
and loving every minute of their positive and creative play time. It brought on lively conversations of back in day, 
when all we did was play in the street, making up our own games, playing jacks and jump rope.  It was a good 
day.

 

But it got better once the final event arrived - the riding ponies. All the children followed the truck and trailer to the 
cleared yard and they had a chance to ride the ponies. You might say what a way to end the day, but. . . as her 
sister Martha said, no day is ever complete until Cynthia sings and true to her character, Cynthia stood on the 
steps and broke out in ". . . and I'm telling you - I'm not going . . ." Ok Jennifer Hudson, watch out.

 

Watch out is right. Watch out for Cynthia Battles, I'm sure next year's Block Party will be even bigger.  I hope to 
see you all there.