There’s something timeless about eating together. A simple meal shared outdoors can do more to build community than any meeting or app. It’s one of the oldest human rituals—and one we’ve drifted away from.
Community and nature are two fundamental parts of the human experience. We yearned for them during Covid, creating safely-distanced dinners, Zoom weddings, and long walks on quiet county roads. But what lesson did that teach us, and how do we value these interactions now?
“Personally, as the pace of life has sped up, I have felt an unresolved desire to make authentic connections in community,” says Gina Fabiano, local resident and nature advocate. “So, I designed a casual pop-up gathering in different natural settings around Petaluma to make it easy for people to discover new connections over a picnic basket. By removing the obstacles of entertaining at home, you provide an open, shared space for everyone to come as they are, to relax in a beautiful setting, and to share stories with new and old friends.”
Inspired by Gina’s gatherings, people are inviting others to meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in local parks. No RSVP, no planning—just a casual invite: “We’ll be at the park. Join us.” Bring your own food, chair or blanket, and whoever you like—friends, relatives, coworkers, acquaintances. That’s it.
The results are always surprising. “I’m amazed how many people reconnect after years apart in these seemingly random gatherings,” Gina says. “I’ve also seen professional connections and collaborations emerge from these dinners. These are the exchanges that bring people closer and create a community.”
So here’s your challenge: Be the instigator. Pick a local park. Invite your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances to join you at 6 p.m. on any—or all—Wednesdays in August and September. Bring something to eat or drink. No need to RSVP. Just show up and see what magic happens.
Let’s reclaim our parks. Let’s eat, drink, and reconnect.
AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER ONLY
