Two very cool things happened here in June.

And these events (Happy Valley Restaurant Week and the first ever Pugh Street Shutdown) would have been great if I had solely participated in each as a regular attendee.

I mean, let’s be honest. Trying creative new dishes prepared by our talented local chefs? That’s always a good time in my book. (And seriously, you should see some of the drool-worthy Restaurant Week meals that we were totally spoiled with this year!)

Similarly, if I had “only” wandered around art and craft vendor booths at the inaugural Pugh Street Shutdown, ordered an ice cream cone from an adorable vintage-style truck, cheered with my community as two queens from PSU Opulence owned the street, and enjoyed a perfect summer evening with live music and can’t-help-but-dance beats by DJ Elbow Knee Knee? Again. Good time.

But for both of these events, I got to participate in a way that went beyond just showing up and doing the thing.

And because this deeper level of engagement feels like an important piece of the “How to Build a Great Community in State College” puzzle, I wanted to fill you in.

This year, I was invited to tag along with Happy Valley Restaurant Week co-coordinator and photographer Matt Fern. (He’s a fellow resident and also a member of the Rediscover State College team.)

While Matt got great shots of the featured meals, I got to chat with the chefs and restaurant owners about their creations and dig for interesting behind-the-scenes stories. I learned about HiWay Pizza’s secret family sauce recipe, for example.  (And the identities of the only three keepers of that knowledge!)

I got the inside scoop about fun upcoming renovation plans at Gigi’s Southern Table and met super kind head chef John Clickner II. (His wife, Kelly, is the sous chef and is responsible for the gorgeous bourbon peach cheesecake pictured below!

And yeah, Matt and I definitely geeked out over a taste test or two after the photos were done.

Because of this invitation to see State College’s food scene from a new perspective, my local “I’ve Met That Person and They’re Great!” circle was expanded.

It now feels even more rewarding and personal to support some of my favorite restaurants because I’ve had an inside look at the creativity and care they’re putting into serving our community.

And speaking of creativity and care. 

Let’s talk about the Pugh Street Shutdown.

Another wonderfully fun local party put together by community creative space 3 Dots.

I left this Drag Show Flea Market themed event brimming with so many “Yep. This is how community should be!” vibes. (And, it should be noted, that as I drove past the blocked off section of Pugh on my way home, well after the event had officially ended, there were still people dancing in the street!)

This event rounded out State College’s Pride Month celebrations and the small business I run with my husband had set up a booth.

Old and new friends stopped by to say hi, we were introduced to others, and got to match faces with names of some long-time customers.

We had a front row seat to both the drag show performances and live music happening on stage AND every dessert from Inside Out Cookie that walked by our tent in the hands of delighted event goers.

It was a beautifully inclusive evening that felt fully attended. And one in which I looked around and felt so much hope because it felt like our whole community was represented… and having a total blast together!

So here’s the conclusion. 

I’ve realized that for a whole bunch of years, I was consuming all of the cool things about State College, but not fully participating. I was showing up with more of a “what does this town have to offer me?” kind of vibe, instead of also considering what I had to offer in return.

I was doing the equivalent of showing up to eat a meal during Restaurant Week and then just going home.

Did I eat some great food with that approach? Definitely!

But did I get to feel truly engaged with my community on a deeper level? Not so much.

Moving forward, I know I’ll be seeking out a more intentional level of involvement. And as I’ve explored more opportunities and received invitations to experience State College in a more reciprocal way, I’ve noticed something.

With pretty minimal effort, my community is falling into place and expanding around me. I’m not forcing it. My active participation is opening the door for new relationships and experiences to happen organically.

And I’m having a heck of a lot more fun.