A Table for Olympia – how to bring a town together for dinner

Inspired by an annual event in Brussels, Belgium, Mathias Eichler, owner of the hippest store in Olympia, and community organizer, put together an innovative, yet simple community event in downtown Olympia called: A Table for Olympia

 

It took place early evening on Friday the 10th of July on Washington Street. The street was closed to traffic and one block-long line of tables was lovingly set with white table linens and vases with fresh summer flowers. The residents of Olympia were invited to come to town to share a pot luck dinner together, and plenty of people followed the invitation. The weather couldn’t have been better. There was sunshine, live music and singing. Delicious Olympia artesian well water was served, people sampled each other’s food, sat together, ate together and got to know each other.

 

 

 I wouldn’t be surprised to see this type of event being copied in other cities nearby. I only hope it will become an annual tradition in Olympia.