Neighbors Connect for Light Lunch in Bethesda
More than 30,000 fill Norfolk Avenue for the 33rd annual Taste of Bethesda
Saturday was another great day for Bethesda — the 33rd annual Taste of Bethesda drew thousands downtown to sample food from 50 restaurants, enjoy the glorious weather, and spend time with neighbors.
In some ways, it’s a giant meet-and-greet. Standing in line for food, everyone was vibing — seniors were talking to teens who were talking to young professionals who were talking to couples pushing strollers. The whole scene was friendly, warm, and inclusive — exactly the way a healthy community should feel.
Comms take: Connection builds community
People sometimes wonder why events like this matter. It’s easy to see that they’re good for business and tourism, but they’re more than that — they’re convenings. For one day, the middle of Norfolk Avenue becomes a “third place,” where people can connect outside their homes and offices.
That matters more than ever. In a turbulent world, we need chances to meet one another in person — to build the small, real connections that keep Bethesda thriving.
Congratulations to Jeff Burton and the entire team at Bethesda Urban Partnership for another outstanding community-building event.
I can’t wait until Winter Wonderland rolls around on Saturday, December 6 — exactly two months from now — when we all fill Norfolk Avenue again.
These types of events are great community builders. Seattle has the TASTE OF SEATTLE as well as severals major street fairs and numerous small neighborhood street fairs to bring people together.