Writing seems to take up a lot of my time. I can't complain, though. I'm happy writing about my experiences and sharing those experiences with other people. I am so happy that I am giving you, the reader, a second dosage of writing today on this glorious Sunday morning.
Yesterday, I was out and about in my neighborhood when I heard loud music. The music seemed to be coming from Kerruish Park nearby. I realized that yesterday was the celebration of Cleveland's Ward 1 District. I was already out running some tasks for myself so I decided that I would steal some pictures and enjoy the festivities. When I arrived around 4:00 p.m., I did not know what to expect. The festival for Ward 1 for the past couple of years has been either lackluster or non-existent. With the continued revitalization of the community, I knew that this year's festival would be different.
On a nice and sunny afternoon, there were a lot of people out to enjoy the festivities. I have not seen that many cars at Kerruish Park since the festival occurred three years ago. To me, this was a good sign and a good show of support for the community that has been through its ups and downs. Some might say it is a reversal of fortune for my community. I would say it is because of good advertising through word of mouth and posting throughout the community. This festival is also the result of hard work on the end of our councilwoman, Nina Turner, and volunteers who want to bring the community together.
To the festivities. Well, as I entered the park, I saw the carnival section of the park where the kids gathered just having a good time. There were trampoline devices that the kids were jumping on, one with Dora the Explorer and the other one with Spiderman. As I walked deeper into the park, I got to see upclose and personal the new and improved swimming pool area and the renovated basketball courts. If you want to bring attention to my neighborhood, this two items are essential to keeping the youth's interest in the park. Take it from me- a basketball court to school people on and a swimming pool to cool you off. These are ideal for the neighborhood.
I saw a lot of people who had their own little businesses down at Kerruish, selling T-shirts, books, and other items of interest. I knew that this is not the reason I was down there. The reason I was down there was twofold. I was down there to see who in the neighborhood would show up for me to hang down with and to see what kind of food the vendors would be selling. I will start with my food experience in the park. I went to several vendors who was selling food. To me, if you do not have good 
food, the rest of the festivities will not matter since food accompanies the festivities and your overall enjoyment level. For myself, I bought a perch sandwich and pizza. I am a generous guy so I bought my brother a steak hoagie and my sister a loaded polish boy when I went back to the house. As for drinks, I had a Sprite with my pizza and after dropping the food off at the house (I live only five minutes from Kerruish), I 
stopped back and ordered a daiquiri (non-alcoholic) to enjoy. I sat under the tents that has become a tradition for everyone acquainted with Kerruish with some of my friends. This was the perfect way to relax and take in the whole scene of events: hanging with my buddies after a long absence due to college and other responsibilities and sipping on a Blue Hawaiian. Oh yeah! After finishing off that daiquiri, the only thing left was to enjoy the festivities... and what better way to do this then to seek out some high school 
friends. I saw one of my friends hanging by a tent close to the main stage for the local performers. I greeted her with a smile, a hug, and some pizza. She was happy to see me and as soon as we really started to get reacquainted with each other, I see two more of my friends from high school. Call this a mini-reunion, shall we! We all learned of where our paths have taken us over the past year and it was rather interesting, to say the least. I wonder if this is what is going to be like in the next five years. Only time will tell. We enjoy the entertainment which included old-school music and some of the hottest new talent in Ward 1. The entertainment was on fire! Eventually, we all had other priorities that we needed to take care of and we parted ways. After the last act of the day, I left Kerruish with a wonderful feeling and a load of new experiences at the park I am proud to call my own.
friends. I saw one of my friends hanging by a tent close to the main stage for the local performers. I greeted her with a smile, a hug, and some pizza. She was happy to see me and as soon as we really started to get reacquainted with each other, I see two more of my friends from high school. Call this a mini-reunion, shall we! We all learned of where our paths have taken us over the past year and it was rather interesting, to say the least. I wonder if this is what is going to be like in the next five years. Only time will tell. We enjoy the entertainment which included old-school music and some of the hottest new talent in Ward 1. The entertainment was on fire! Eventually, we all had other priorities that we needed to take care of and we parted ways. After the last act of the day, I left Kerruish with a wonderful feeling and a load of new experiences at the park I am proud to call my own.
Writing this felt good. I only have 17 days until I have to leave Cleveland and return to OWU. I think you know that time is of the beholder and I only have so much to experience. Going to Kerruish was good for me and the community. I want to post so much, oh well. Writing this, however, makes me whole.Representing Cleveland's Ward 1 district,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10
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