After a long day, the dinner table brings family and friends together to unwind.
That’s what it’s all about with The Longest Table, a warm and welcoming party that will be hosted by local nonprofit Homegrown Moorestown at the township’s Church Street recreation center parking lot on Saturday, May 30, at 6 p.m.
The mission of Homegrown Moorestown, co-founded by Celie Coleman and Gretchen Simmerson, is to promote community growth, support local initiatives and foster a stronger connection within the township. Now in its third year, The Longest Table resulted from Homegrown Moorestown’s initial community engagement effort for the Halloween house decorating contest and feedback from the community on future events.
Simmerson had heard about the event from a friend, so she was inspired to bring the idea to her community. Coleman shared that the first year was the scariest because the outcome was unknown, but she now believes it was destiny.
“Someone who’s returning for a third year, usually that means that they really enjoyed the experience, but also that they’re getting more and more into it …” Coleman said of The Longest Table. “On the other side of that are people who are coming for the first time that might have not heard about it or missed it or couldn’t get a table, and this is their first year … and they’re both excited for it, but also haven’t ever seen in person the interactions between the tables and the voting and the community conversation that naturally occurs …
“It’s such a fun energy,” she added, “because there’s teachers, there’s town council, there are parents of current residents, there are young families, grandparents … It’s such a range of residents that it’s fun to see everyone interact.”
A portion of event proceeds will be donated to the township’s parks and recreation department, specifically for program costs for the special needs community. Although tables have sold out, those participating have been encouraged to choose a theme for their meal, adorn their table and dress accordingly.
Voting categories will include the ultimate table experience, the table that brings together theme, décor, food, costumes, creativity and atmosphere, and the design and detail award, for the table that impresses everyone with craftsmanship, layering, thoughtful touches and cohesive design.
Live music for the event will be provided by Aaron Hehl and John Dutton of Aaron & John Music, who will also perform at the event’s rain date – if need be – on Friday, June 12. Annual sponsors include the Keating Law Firm; Beth and Charles Berry of Weichert Premier; Morrone, Kaye and Yucha Orthodontics; and Mission Voice.
“ … It’s all really reassuring for us that we’re doing something good for the community,” Simmerson noted. “The job is to come up with a theme, decorations and you can keep it simple or go all out but … it’s a really cool space to see once everyone arrives.”
For more information on Homegrown Moorestown or updates and photos on The Longest Table, visit www.homegrownmoorestown.com.
Guests choose a theme for their meal, adorn their table and dress accordingly, and this year voting is split into two categories.
