With bright, sunny skies and the temp at an agreeable 70 degrees, October 6’s weather was an apt barometer for the vibe beaming from West 21st Street: There, from 12pm to 2pm, the unmistakenly urban block between 9th and 10th Aves. was transformed into a practically pastoral communal space, where all assembled came to feed the human need to connect. Serving as an appetizing conduit for creating community was a single, continuous table spanning the entire block, letting arrivals know in no uncertain terms they were at the right place to participate in The Longest Table.

Launched in 2022 as a symbolic and literal means to emerge from the pandemic era’s isolating Shelter in Place edict, The Longest Table served that purpose well in its premiere year (click here for our post-event coverage). In 2023, The Longest Table returned. Bigger than before, it was evidence the community-building concept had legs—and not just those found under the Table. (Click here for our post-event coverage.)

Flash forward to 2024’s October 6 observance, when The Longest Table took its place as an annual Chelsea tradition, drawing a record number of participants (as noted in a press release accessible by clicking here).

“The Longest Table is a reminder of what makes this city so amazing—the people, the diversity, the energy, and the possibilities,” said Maryam Banikarim, Co-Founder of NYCNext and a primary architect of the Longest Table concept. “It’s pure joy to see more than 1,000 neighbors and friends sit down together to share a meal. We keep hearing about the loneliness epidemic, and events like this are an antidote. They connect us, bring us joy and remind us why we love New York City.”

If you weren’t there for the eating, then seeing is believing—hence, the below collection of photos and testimonials from those who participated in The Longest Table 2024. To visit The Longest Table online, click here.—Scott Stiffler

“Being a part of The Longest Table is one of the greatest joys of being a New Yorker. It’s so rewarding to see people from all walks of life come together to celebrate humanity over a meal in the streets—a wonderful way to meet new people and connect. You can feel that energy throughout the day. I especially enjoy seeing and meeting folks who just happen to walk by. They immediately join in and become part of the experience. The volunteers this year were incredible, bringing an even greater sense of community and ownership to the event. I can’t wait to see other communities continue to embrace and benefit from this idea.”—Jerry Brandehoff (a Longest Table co-founder)

“As a West Village resident and a returning attendee of The Longest Table, I was so inspired by last year’s event that I decided to volunteer this year. In today’s environment and our daily lives, there seems to be an increasing disconnect and division, so fostering community connections has never been more essential. Face-to-face interactions allow us to see each other as individuals, breaking down barriers and assumptions that can cloud our perceptions. We came out of our homes, put away the phones/iPads/laptops, and sat around a table with friends, or even strangers, and shared a meal. My experience as a volunteer added depth to my commitment to the event. Working alongside Maryam and the dedicated NYCNext team enriched my understanding of the transformative impact we can have when we come together.”—Ellie Ahmadi

“I’ve been a Chelsea resident since I moved to the US from the Netherlands over 13 years ago, starting on West 22nd Street in 2011 and now on West 19th Street. I attended The Longest Table as a guest last year but stepped into a volunteer role this year, to have the opportunity to work with Maryam, her fabulous NYCNext team, and so many other volunteers. It truly added a whole new layer of meaning for me. At my core, I am a connector, and I’ve always believed in the power of community to create lasting connections. Being part of the event’s behind-the-scenes efforts really drove that home for me. What I found most rewarding this year was bringing my own friends and local small business owners to the table—introducing my friends to the rockstar entrepreneurs I got to know while living in Chelsea, and also to new faces at other tables. It felt like a way to extend that sense of community even further. It’s so amazing to watch these relationships spark and grow in such an inclusive, welcoming environment.”—Esther Veenhuizen  

“As someone who moved here from Australia, I know how important it is to build real connections in a big city like this. Sharing a meal is a simple, iconic way New Yorkers come together. The Longest Table brings people together in such a natural, NYC way. These connections are what make this city and its community so strong.”—Tamara Jones

“I’m originally from the Netherlands and lived in Chelsea when I first moved to NYC. I’m now a resident of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. I brought my 7-year-old daughter to The Longest Table this year and it was magic! It represented a perfect blend of connection and reflection. As an executive coach, I’m constantly helping others navigate their personal and professional paths, and events like this one remind me of the importance of creating space for authentic human connection. It’s these shared experiences that help us slow down and really appreciate the community around us. There’s something extra special about sharing this with my young daughter. It’s a chance to teach her the value of sitting down with new people, listening to their stories, and building a sense of belonging. In a fast-paced city like New York, these moments are essential.”—Heleen Westerhuijs

—END—

ChelseaCommunityNews.com (CCNews) is an independent, single-owner online newspaper providing news, arts, events, and opinion content to Manhattan’s Chelsea community and its adjacent areas (Flatiron/NoMad and Meatpacking Districts, Hudson Yards, Hell’s Kitchen, Broadway/Times Square, and the Penn Station area).  Our editorial content is made possible by advertising revenue, grants, quarterly pledges of support, and voluntary reader donations (click here for our GoFundMe campaign). To join our subscriber list, click here to receive ENewsletters containing links to recently published content–as well as an occasional “Sponsored Content” email featuring an advertiser’s exclusive message. 

ChelseaCommunityNews.com is a member of the New York Press Association (NYPA) and the Empire State Local News Coalition. Our content is collected for placement in the United States Library of Congress’ LGBTQ+ Studies Web Archive. (“We consider your website to be an important part of  the historical record,” said a July 26, 2019 email.) Our freelance reporters have been recognized by NYPA’s annual Better Newspaper Contest, with Honorable Mention wins for Best News or Feature Series  (2021, 2023). CCNews is a three-time winner in the Coverage of the Arts category (First Place and Honorable Mention, 2022 and Third Place, 2023).

PLEASE SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: HELP CHELSEA COMMUNITY NEWS THRIVE BY FREQUENTLY  VISITING THIS WEBSITE TO READ OUR ARTICLES AND CLICK ON THE ADVERTISEMENTS.

Questions? Comments? Want to Place an Advertisement or Make a Donation? Email Founder/Editor Scott Stiffler at scott@chelseacommunitynews.com.