JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A table 600 feet long blocked off part of Downtown Jacksonville Wednesday evening.
Organizers of the city’s Longest Table event said the goal is to bring people together to celebrate their community.
"Some of them know each other, many won't know each other," said JAX Chamber’s new Chair Ari Jolly. "But they get to sit cheek to cheek, shoulder to shoulder, and they get to talk about anything and everything and it's just a way to continue building a sense of community among people who love the city."
JAX Chamber hosted the event. Some people there said it's especially important following what they called a divisive election.
“I would have never met you and that’s what this is about,” said Joanna Mulhall to Anthony Hommes, seated beside her.
The table winded down Independent Drive, ready to seat 700 people, according to Jolly. Those at the annual event were encouraged to sit with people they didn’t know.
"I love talking to new people and meeting them and kind of hearing their story because it’s all about people’s stories, right?" said Bryana Dunn. "So I love that.”
They said it's all about celebrating each other’s similarities and differences.
“I don’t know you but you look gorgeous,” said Dunn's friend to another woman.
“We’re all experiencing the same things in different avenues,” Mulhall said to Hommes.
Post-election, those at Jacksonville's Longest Table said it’s important to see different people in their community come together as one city.
“A lot of the downside of what’s happened after the election is primarily on social media," said Trey Ford. "Here it’s been fully camaraderie, love. Nobody knows who voted for what and we’re just here to have a good meal and network.”
“If we can’t come together for anything else, we can come together to eat,” added Dunn's friend.
"This setting is meant to foster a sense of community and appreciation for what we have," said Jolly. "And I have to believe that while the conversation may include the election, we will have it in a respectful way with one another and hopefully we'll listen and start to appreciate some of the different perspectives. But at the end of the day, we're here celebrating one city, one state, one country, in a wonderful environment of fellowship."
Jolly encouraged people to sign up early for the free event next year. People were also encouraged to bring blankets and cold weather clothing to donate to the Sulzbacher Center.