Wow what a weekend!! Can’t miss bird watching. +Longest Table event is Sunday, Get your animals blessed in Mendo and Kelp fest is here too!
The Longest Table in Fort Bragg is exactly what we need right now. In a time of rising division—more than I’ve seen in my 61 years—this event invites us to sit down together, side by side, at one very long table. Reservations are required, but don’t miss this event because you don’t have those. It runs from 1–4 PM on Franklin Street in downtown Fort Bragg, likely near City Hall. Spend the afternoon reconnecting with neighbors, old friends, and maybe a few strangers who won’t feel like strangers for long. Organizer Pam Bell said he event was full (500 people) but of course cancelations have occurred over the past 3 days….”Now we have room for Walk-ups but at 1:30 or later. We need to check in the 450 people that made reservations first. We’re no longer taking official reservations on Eventbrite ticketing page though. That option remains closed. I’ve mentioned we are OPEN for Walk-ups,” Bell said. It took us a bit to get this explanation up.
Hosted by the City of Fort Bragg, this free community meal and conversation event brings neighbors together—one long table at a time. The City provides tables, chairs, and linens; you bring your own meal and drink, grab a seat, and enjoy an afternoon of connection. Reservations are required. The event was sold out when we last checked, but they said come out and hang out!
Come solo or rally your crew as a Table Captain (perfect for potlucks with friends and family). This global movement began with a simple goal: more human connection. Now, it’s Fort Bragg’s turn.
All ages, backgrounds, and leashed pets welcome. Plus: Chalk Art and Face Painting for kids!
The Longest Table began in Chelsea, NYC, in 2022—born from a post-pandemic longing to turn strangers into neighbors over a shared meal. What started as one long table has grown into a national movement, and this year, Fort Bragg joins the celebration.
Blessing of the Animals Join us Sunday from 2–3 PM at Mendocino Presbyterian Church for a joyful tradition celebrating all creatures great and small. St. Anthony’s Catholic Church will also be participating just behind the Presbyterian Church, honoring the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi—beloved patron of animals, who showed that true Christian love embraces not only the wealthy, but the broken, the forgotten, and the four-legged too.
I’ve ballyhooed the Kelp Festival—it’s a cool concept, but not exactly accessible. It’s run by out-of-town folks with minimal local outreach (unless you count the poster blitz). Good idea, slow start. Maybe next year someone truly rooted in the community can take the reins and rally Cowlicks for kelp ice cream, Huck’s for kelp sliders, and Tall Guy for a fresh kelp brew.
Still, don’t miss the Big River Beach walk on Sunday—it’s the standout event. And tonight’s screening of Sequoias of the Sea. Good stuff. Find out more here. Nothing happening at Noyo Center today, I assumed there would be. Tomorrow is their interesting urchin tank tours. Parents and Friends is having a cool Oktoberfest at CV Starr.
Birdwatching Bliss
Nothing compares to the birdwatching right now. It’s a late pelican arrival this year, and I’ve been watching them gather on the big rock off the Mendocino Headlands—my annual ritual. Brutus and Caesar are riveted, tails twitching like antennae every time one swoops low. These photos are all from the past few days, just driving around with the boys. Check them out! Let’s see yours too—what’s flying in your neck of the woods?
This behavior is part of their territorial posturing
