MANSFIELD — The corner of Fourth Street and Rowland Avenue was buzzing with activity Sunday afternoon.
In a good way.
At an intersection in Mansfield too often linked to crime and mischief, the community came together for the first free “BBQ at The Goose” from noon to 4 p.m. on a blustery afternoon.
“We’re all about bringing this area up because this area has had a bad name here in Richland County for a long time and we’re trying to end that,” organizer David Kirst said in the parking lot of the Galloping Goose.
“This is the first annual barbecue at the Goose. We’re going to do this every year, along with other events that we’re planning out right now as we speak,” he said.
Residents moved to music from DJ Motown and lined up for free hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and chips.
Richland County Children Services provided free candy. Kids enjoyed a bounce house.
“There’s a bunch of great organizations … great 501-C-3s that are also part of this. They’re just trying to uplift the community and especially this neighborhood,” said Kirst, who announced a 4th of July barbecue was also being planned at the site.
“That’s what this is all about.”
(Below are photos from the “BBQ at the Goose” on Sunday afternoon at the corner of Fourth Street and Rowland Avenue in Mansfield. The story continues below the images.)
Kirst was joined during an interview by Mohamad Aziz, who has owned the drive-thru since 2014.
“I will put it this way … I love this place,” Aziz said. “I love the community. I love my customers.”
One of the groups participating in the event was “Devoted. Ambitious. Dependable,” aka D.A.D., which is nearing one year of existence.
“We just want to give back to the community … do community events … help through mentoring,” said D.A.D. member Ken Singleton.
“For example, we want help bridge the gap between the elderly and the young, as well. We try to incorporate hip hop at the same time, but we’re mainly focused on just giving back to the community in any way possible,” Singleton said.
He said D.A.D. is planning an event at a local nursing home.
“We’re doing like a little paint-and-sip with the elderly. We don’t see a lot of people doing a lot for the elderly. We are also going to collaborate with the (Mansfield Police Department) on May 9 at Bike-A-Palooza at North Lake Park. We’re donating a couple of bikes for that,” Singleton said.
D.A.D. is also planning its second annual Father’s Day Appreciation Gathering on June 20 from noon to 4 p.m. at North Lake Park with free food, music, games and more.
“We don’t feel like a lot of fathers get highlighted enough in this city. So we’re just trying to do as much as possible just to give back to the community,” he said.
Kirst, who lives nearby with his family, said the neighborhood is on the rise. He is a digital creator about to launch his new Level Network.
“There’s nothing but families that live on this whole street now. I see them get up every morning and take their kids to school. I see them get up and go to work every day. I see them come home. I see them spending time playing ball with their families and whatnot,” Kirst said.
“This is a great area with nothing but a bunch of families. So we want to get rid of the bad stigma and bring up the area and have a good positive name,” he said.
