NORWICH – On Sunday, July 5, an initiative aimed at bringing neighbors together to share in a communal meal took place nationwide. America's Potluck, an America 250 commission recognized event, happened alongside the Turtle Island Festival at the Chenango County Fairgrounds thanks to local sponsors and the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS).

The idea for America's Potluck began in Utah and quickly expanded through America 250 to communities nationwide. Sunday, July 5, was chosen intentionally for this celebration to reflect on the tradition of Sunday dinners and give communities a chance to “slow down, serve others, and connect with one another” and the national organizers hope that “by bringing people together around the table, we can celebrate the freedoms we share and strengthen the sense of belonging that holds us together” according to the potluck's official site.

51 states’ commissions and territories had at least one America's Potluck planned. New York State had only one, America's Potluck and Turtle Island Festival at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. The totally free family event was made possible by the NY 250 commission, the Community Foundation for South Central New York’s Racial Justice and Equity Fund, and UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, along with local organizations the Chenango County Agricultural Society, Colorscape Chenango, Commerce Chenango, Live Event NY, and the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association.

Although a traditional potluck encourages guests to bring homemade dishes, the food at Chenango County's potluck was brought in by the Canasawacta Country Club, ensuring that anyone could participate without preparation or cost. The food offerings were classic American barbecue staples: potato salad, coleslaw, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, chips, and more.

After the first performance of the Turtle Island show, the potluck opened up and the hundreds in attendance headed over for the communal meal. In the spirit of bringing neighbors together, at the tables were “America's Potluck Bingo cards” with prompts encouraging people to learn something new about the people around them and talk to people they might not otherwise meet.

America's potluck organizers emphasize that there is “no wrong way to gather,” and that the heart of the event lies in connection rather than the food itself. At the fairgrounds the idea came through clearly with the meal and festival becoming a shared experience. The potluck also offered a moment to reflect on the Turtle Island performances, many attendees used the time to think on what they had just watched, discussing the dancers, the inflatable turtle sculpture, and the themes woven throughout the show.

Throughout the performance the audience was invited to join in communal dances, including a corn dance as well as a dance representing the circle of life. This helped further reinforce the festival's themes of connection, balance, and shared experience. Children, parents, and elders, stepped into the circle together with the Skywoman dancers as the inflatable turtle was moved throughout the rest of the crowd, drawing more in. The dances, like the potluck, created a moment where strangers became neighbors if even for a moment.

The free event served as an accessible and meaningful commemoration of history and the community values that helped shape the country. The community came together for a shared meal and to hear an ancient story from a people whose influence is seen across founding documents. You can learn more about this component of American History by contacting CCHS or the Chenango County Historian's office as was said at the event.