Ellington

Ghetto Theme and Amusement Parks of America presents "Fun Summer Alternatives with Ghetto Economist Pookie Peters":

"The choices we (the financially challenged community) made during the 2004 presidential election have affected our summer recreation. Therefore, we must face the consequence that summer excursions to Six Flags are just too expensive. I say let our affluent friends drive those gas-guzzling SUVs to their favorite amusement and theme parks.

"If you're broke this summer, don't fret. The Ghetto Science Team and I invite the financially challenged to 'get their fun on' at their own theme and amusement park called FUN-N-DA-HOOD.

"Ride our refurbished bicycles and scooters to tour the streets. Stop by Clubb Chicken Wing and enjoy a 'hott wing' snack while the grown folks play spades and dominoes. Refresh yourself at the Kool-Aid-Freezie-Pop station, courtesy of Mr. Icy Cream. And Lil Pookie's Front-Porch-Game Boy-O-Rama will amuse any true player.

"Get ready for some 'coolin' water' fun with a plastic swimming pool and 50-foot water hose outside JoJo's Dollar Store. Also, the Rev. Cletus takes the kids to Vacation Bible School on the Double Dutch Church bus. And Look out for Mr. Luther's Fourth of July-Post-Juneteenth fireworks show as he fires his double-barrel shot gun. The summer fun ends with the Sausage Sandwich Sisters' Electric Slide Around the Block BBQ Party and Disco.

"Remember: Life is what you make of it. Avoid anything that stops your joy for living. Have fun in the 'hood!"

Ken Stiggers is a television producer in Jackson and the co-host of The Lyric Lounge Thursday nights at Santiago's.