Stamford Community Event Invites Neighbors To Share Meal, Conversation

STAMFORD, CT — Residents from across Stamford are invited to gather at Mill River Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, for The Longest Table Stamford, a free community event designed to bring neighbors together over a shared meal and conversation.

Hosted by Marty Shapiro, publisher of Stamford City Lifestyle Magazine, the inaugural event will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Mill River Park.

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Inspired by the global Longest Table movement, the event will feature one continuous table where people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to sit together, share stories and make new friends.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch or a favorite dish to share with others at their table. Organizers said attendees are welcome whether they come alone, with family or with friends.

"Communities become stronger when people take time to connect truly," said Shapiro in a news release. "This event is about creating space for conversations that might never happen otherwise. By gathering around one table, we're sending a simple but powerful message: everyone belongs."

According to organizers, The Longest Table is based on the belief that small conversations can have a lasting impact and is intended to promote inclusivity, kindness, civic pride and a greater sense of belonging by encouraging neighbors to meet one another in a welcoming environment.

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held at Mill River Park, with the entrance on Washington Boulevard.

Registration is available online, and guests are encouraged to bring their own food and, if desired, food to share with others.

The Longest Table Stamford is supported by a volunteer community leadership committee representing local business, nonprofit, government, communications and civic organizations.

Committee members include Isis-Rae Goulbourne, founder of City Events CT; Mia Schipani, owner of Schipani PR; Maria Antonietta Larrea, City of Stamford; Laurie Guzda, creative director of LA Guzda Creative Arts & Services; Heather Cavanagh, executive director of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Bamford, communications strategist at Hybrid Media; Marlie Saint-Surin, Mill River Park Collaborative; and Janeene Freeman, City of Stamford.