On the second Sunday of September, Iroquois Park became a bustling gathering place for Louisville Metro residents. The annual Big Table—a free, citywide potluck—drew hundreds of neighbors who sat at tables of eight, shared home‑cooked dishes, and engaged in guided conversations.
Building community through shared meals
Organizers describe the event as a simple yet powerful way to break down barriers. “The idea is to sit down with people that you don’t already know,” said Cathy Berkey, one of the event’s coordinators. Each table featured a host who used a set of thoughtful questions to move the dialogue beyond small talk. One prompt asked participants to reveal a small thing that brings them unexpected joy, encouraging honest, personal sharing.
“These are questions that get down to the human being underneath, so that I understand who you are and you can understand who I am,” Berkey explained. For many attendees, the experience proved exactly that.
Voices from the table
Beatriz Vides, a longtime Louisville resident, highlighted the power of food in creating connection. “There’s just something about being among neighbors that are preparing beautiful food to come and share with everybody else,” she said.
Martin Brooks echoed the sentiment, noting how hearing each other’s stories humanizes the crowd. “It makes you realize how much we have in common with each other,” he remarked.
Even longtime Louisville native Alice Moore found renewed optimism. “The way things have been going and have been in such a funk. This gives me hope. It makes me happy,” she said, describing the gathering as a bright spot in challenging times.
Welcoming Week and immigrant inclusion
The Big Table is part of Welcoming Week, a national initiative run by Welcoming America that celebrates inclusive communities. The Louisville Office for Immigrant Affairs partnered on this year’s event, underscoring the city’s commitment to welcoming newcomers.
Berkey emphasized that the gathering models how Louisville treats one another. “This is a place to welcome people into our community so that it’s something that shows how we treat each other here,” she said.
Extending the tradition
First launched nine years ago, the Big Table has become a beloved Louisville tradition. Organizers encourage participants to replicate the format in their own neighborhoods, spreading the spirit of hospitality throughout the region.
For those interested in joining future tables or learning how to host a Big Table in their area, details are available on the event’s website.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
