The "Longest Table" Comes to Mendocino County
Hundreds attend Fort Bragg event, as the community responds to invitation to break bread together
More than 400 people turned out for Mendocino County’s inaugural “Longest Table” event on Sunday afternoon.
The table — or rather, tables — were arranged in two long rows along North Franklin Street between East Laurel Street and East Redwood Avenue. The event began at 1 p.m., and by 1:30 the tables had become groaning boards, laden with salads, sandwiches, casseroles, cookies, cakes and every kind of dish in overwhelming abundance.
The idea of hosting a massive community potluck began during the pandemic in Chelsea, New York, when Maryam Banikarim joined an outdoor dinner party and decided to organize her own. About 500 people showed up, later telling her the event made them feel less lonely.
Local organizer Pam Bell brought the concept to the Fort Bragg City Council in August. “I feel like our town would benefit so much from giving people a chance to eat, be seen, share a meal, break bread and just get to know their neighbors,” Bell said.
The event was free, but there was a seating limit. The city provided tables, portable restroom and street closure, while participants brought their own meals and beverages — even something as simple as a tuna sandwich. Food trucks lined the street, and groups such as the Soroptimists and Mendocino Railway organized full potluck tables.
The Mendocino Coast Humane Society partnered as the nonprofit beneficiary, raising funds through beer and wine sales.
As attendees ate and socialized, they were entertained by musicians Lincoln Thomas and Carlos Hernandez, as well as the North Coast Tsunami Cheer team.
City Manager Isaac Whippy said the “Longest Table” was a great fit for Fort Bragg, giving residents a chance to “break bread” and build community. While the city was the host and undewriter, providing between $7,300-$8,000 from the 2025-26 events budget, the event was promoted up and down the coast, from Westport to Point Arena.
Although the event reached capacity quickly, space was made for drop-ins, and no one went away hungry. Food was shared among tables, and when the event was over, leftovers were packed up and distributed to friends, family and neighbors.
Fun story. I went but had to go to work. I like the way they did the drop ins and Pam even had that well planned, leaving spots and not reopening reservations when people canceled. Made it more fun and impromptu.