The Longest Table: A Growing Tradition in Pleasant Hill
By Connie Whitlock
Publishing Editor
On most days, First Street in downtown Pleasant Hill is a place for cars, shoppers, and people going about their daily business. But on Sunday, September 27, the street was transformed into an outdoor dining room, with a long row of tables covered in white tablecloths, decorated for fall, and ready to welcome neighbors for dinner.
The tradition began in 2025, and this year was its second Longest Table dinner. Community members gathered around a table that stretched down First Street to enjoy local fare from Pleasant Hill Farmers Market vendors. The evening celebrated the end of the local Farmers Market.
The event was hosted by the Pleasant Hill Historic District (PHHD), a local nonprofit organization that partners with Missouri Main Street, the leading statewide nonprofit dedicated to preservation-based economic development and downtown revitalization in Missouri’s historic commercial districts.
You may never have heard of the Longest Table, but the idea has been around for years. In 2015, nearly 400 people gathered around a long table stretching down Park Avenue in Tallahassee, Florida, for a community dinner designed to bring neighbors together through food and conversation. A similar idea took shape in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood in 2022, following the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept has since spread to communities across the country.
Martha Drasny, president of the Pleasant Hill Historic District, shared a photograph of a long community table in Italy that helped inspire Pleasant Hill’s own version on First Street. “We would like the table to get longer every year,” Drasny said excitedly.
This year’s dinner included approximately 45 tables and 180 chairs arranged down First Street, creating quite a sight in the middle of downtown. As guests arrived, the long table, draped in white tablecloths and decorated with fall touches, built anticipation for the evening. The aroma of barbecue filled the air as the serving team prepared for dinner. The menu featured sliced brisket, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, seasonal vegetables, sourdough bread, and assorted desserts.
Bringing the meal together was a community effort, with dinner prepared by Fern Kee BBQ and Marcus & Millies Catering, along with contributions from local Farmers Market vendors Bake It Til You Make It, Brush Creek Farms & Apothecary, Crust Farms, Fourward Petals & Produce, Redeemed Acres, Rolling Pin Bakery, Skyline Coffee, The Starlin Farmstand, Thyme Warp Farms, and Wendel Farms. As the placemats reminded guests, “It Takes A Community to Fill This Table.”
Former Pleasant Hill Mayor Mark Guffey and his wife were among those in attendance. Guffey praised the event, saying, “Incredible event. It was a time to celebrate our local farmers and community. It was also a reminder that so much of the food we consume can be purchased locally. With the highest quality, safety and nutrition. Knowing where your food comes from is a game changer.”
Current sitting Mayor, Don Donovan expressed that the Longest Table is more than a dinner, “It is a chance to connect with neighbors, local businesses, and celebrate the sense of community that makes Pleasant Hill such a great place to call home. It was great to see old friends, make new ones, and enjoy an evening together.” said Donovan. He was in attendance with his wife Michelle who said that the food was delicious.
The placemats also served as a program for the evening, recognizing the Farmers Market vendors, businesses, and volunteers who helped bring the dinner together. Along with the menu, they included a special thank-you to the volunteers who gave their time, as well as recognition for Waters Hardware, SR Rentals, and Shelton’s Printing.
The reverse side celebrated Missouri Good Neighbor Week and encouraged guests to introduce themselves to someone new, find something they had in common, and learn something interesting about one another. It was a thoughtful way to recognize the people behind the event while encouraging guests to make a few new connections of their own.
The placemats also highlighted Missouri Good Neighbor Week, September 28 through October 4, which encourages simple acts of kindness and ways to build stronger communities. It was a small but thoughtful addition to the dinner. After all, it’s easy to sit down with the people you already know. Getting to know someone new takes a little more effort.
The evening was made possible by the work of PHHD volunteers, Farmers Market vendors, local businesses, and others who helped with everything from preparing the meal to setting the tables.
PHHD board member and lead for the Farmers Market, Julie Brown, said that her favorite part of the event is seeing the community come together and echoed the Mayors sentiments on having a meal with neighbors, friends, and people you have never met. “It’s a chance to slow down, connect with one another, and celebrate what makes Pleasant Hill such a wonderful place to call home. Of course, the food is also delicious!” said Brown.
According to Brown, planning starts early with the PHHD board by getting special permission to close streets and creating back up plans in case of inclement weather. Brown said, “There are so many moving pieces, from sourcing everything needed to serve the meal (plates, cups, drink containers, serving utensils, dishes, and of course, the food!) to designing decorations and placemats, selling tickets, coordinating with suppliers, and preparing the meal itself.” She also mentioned all the physical moving parts and helping to place volunteers where they best fit with their talents and skillset.
“What I love is that everyone brings something different to the table,” said Brown. “It really does take a village, and this event simply wouldn’t happen without the many volunteers who generously share their time and talents.”
So, for one evening, First Street became a gathering place where neighbors could enjoy good food, visit with old friends, and perhaps make a few new ones. Until next year, hopefully the tradition will continue.