Spirit Lake embraces Longest Table movement

Everything tastes better when shared.

Neighbors and strangers alike arrived at Spirit Lake’s Maine Street for the city’s first Longest Table event put together by the Spirit Lake Community Coalition. 

“We get so busy that we forget to know who our neighbors are and this type of event reminds people to get to know each other,” SLCC Vice President Becky DeMers said.

The smell of food may not have carried very far in the cold air, but it traveled far enough to entice people to come out for a free meal. 

All 21 tables were full, and additional guests had to overflow into nearby Friendship Park or onto the sidewalk to stand with their plates. 

“People are meeting each other and people who have never met before are talking, so we're so excited to have that engagement," DeMers said.

The Longest Table is a community potluck movement that has spread across the country, aiming to get people out of their homes, off their screens and together with the people who inhabit their city. 

Each table had at least one hot pasta dish and bread, and guests were encouraged to bring a main dish, sides or a dessert. Different noodles, salads, casseroles and other assorted foods made an excellent opportunity to try different foods. 

“My favorite was probably the chicken enchilada and some of these meatballs,” attendee Clode Croto said.

For others, it was a chance to break away from having the same old, same old for dinner.

“We were tired of eating squirrels,” Spirit Lake resident Paul St. Laurent joked as the reason for attending.

St. Laurent’s wife Lina was hosting one of the tables.

“As a table host, you're supposed to get out there and encourage the people that came with you or who you invited to go out there and mingle,” Lina said. “I think it gets you out of your bubble and you meet people you otherwise wouldn’t know.”

Chris Wiess’s family can trace their roots in Spirit Lake to the 1920s, but Wiess himself didn't live in the city until he and his wife, Claire, moved there 11 years ago. The two were excited to spend time with friends. 

“When we first moved here, we met our neighbors who were friends with quite a few local people,” Claire said. “We love our community and we love to participate in whatever events (Spirit Lake) hosts.”

The Longest Table also helped them make new friends from around town.

“You always meet someone new,” Chris said. “That’s the good thing, because you hear about a friend of a friend and you get to meet them! It’s great.”

All in all, the organizers said the Longest Table potluck was a success. People came out in droves to try each other’s dishes, and there was nary a phone in sight.

“Eighteen minutes in and we already have people asking when we’re going to do this next year,” DeMers said.

    Paul, Eloise and Lina St. Laurent enjoy their dinner at Spirit Lake's Longest Table potluck.
  

    People gather around a serving table at Spirit Lake's Longest Table potluck event.
  

    Debi and Kenny Montijo enjoy some beverages.