HUNTSVILLE — One Table Huntsville, a community event designed to bring residents from all walks of life together for food and fellowship, is returning to Big Spring Park for the sixth year.

“Join us at One Table Huntsville, where everyone has a place at the table,” said Village of Promise CEO Dana M. Gillis. “Come as strangers, leave as friends, and let the power of conversation and connection bridge the distance between us.”

The event, hosted by Village of Promise, has grown tremendously over the last few years.

“When we started one back in 2022, which was post-pandemic, we were expecting maybe 500 to 750 people, but we got close to over a thousand,” said Gillis. “Then last year, we were kind of expecting maybe 1,200, possibly 1,500. We had over 2,000.”

While setting up and planning for the dinner can be stressful, Hillis believes in the end it’s largely beneficial for the community.

“There’s a lot of logistics involved, but it’s worth it when you think about the impact that it has on somebody’s life,” said Hillis. “We have a lot of volunteers. To me, the best thing is a community of volunteers being able to talk because it’s not like we’re asking people to ladle food on the plates or do anything like that, although there are some who do that.

“We want the bulk of our body here to come out, grab a plate of food, sit at a table, engage with somebody, and go help.”

The free celebration is Nov. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 200 Church Street.

“The free annual community meal represents one meal, one day, one table, and one city – united in food, fellowship, and fun for all,” Gillis said.