Grassroots citizens group Action Tukwila will attempt the world record for the largest potluck in history August 13, 2016 (1-5pm). Staged on Tukwila International Boulevard between 144th and 146th Streets, Come Sit at Our Table – The World’s Largest Potluck will bring together residents and community leaders to enjoy food, live music, and a four-on-four street soccer tournament.

People who live in Tukwila and the surrounding areas are encouraged to take part in the event, which will feature an informal attempt to break the world record of 1,275 dishes at a single potluck. The festivities will occupy the northbound lanes of Tukwila International Boulevard between 144th and 146th Streets, part of the block immediately east of the boulevard on 144th, and the former site of three motels raided by local and federal law enforcement in 2013.

“Tukwila’s citizens want to take back Tukwila International Boulevard and revitalize our city’s reputation,” says Charis Hnin, an educator who has spearheaded Action Tukwila’s effort to secure event sponsorship from local businesses and nonprofit organizations. “Contrary to our media image, Tukwila is safe and livable.”

Given the dubious honor of being the most dangerous city in America by the SafeWise Report in 2016, a ranking likely due to its much larger daytime population, Tukwila has about 20,000 permanent residents and accommodates a rich diversity of cultures and nationalities, many of them refugees from politically unstable regions of the world. Foster High School is among the most diverse secondary schools in the United States, with students from 50 different countries speaking 45 different languages.

With support from the Highline College Sports Outreach Program, former Seattle Sounders player Fawzi Belal (2004-08) will host a four-on-four street soccer event alongside the potluck, open to everyone. There will also be live music at the event, thanks in part to a grant from 4Culture, with confirmed appearances by Eduardo Mendonça (Show Brazil) and Thione Diop (Yeke Yeke).

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About Action Tukwila

Action Tukwila is an informal grassroots group pursuing citizen-led projects that build community. All of us, long-timers and newcomers, share a love for Tukwila and are committed to working together to make it a better place to live, learn, work, and play.

Sharing food is a universal activity that fosters dialogue and friendship, so we decided our first project would be an all-inclusive community potluck: Come Sit at Our Table. Since we’re inviting everyone in Tukwila, we figured we may as well try to break the world record for the largest potluck ever.

For more information, contact Jeff Encke at 206-550-0582 or jencke@gmail.com.