BBQ & Belonging A Lantern Society Summer Gathering

July 11, 2026 · 3:00 PM Bush's Pasture Park, Salem Oregon
BBQ & Belonging A Lantern Society Summer Gathering
JUL
11

About This Event

Welcome to The Lantern Society's very first gathering!

The Lantern Society was created with a simple belief: everyone deserves opportunities to gather, connect, and belong.

Think of this as a summer afternoon at your favorite auntie's backyard—good food, lawn games, easy conversation, and a chance to meet new people in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Whether you come with a friend or arrive on your own, there will be a place for you at the table.

What to Bring
✔️ Lawn chair or blanket
✔️ Your favorite side dish, dessert, snack, or drinks to share (optional)
✔️ Lawn games (optional)
✔️ A smile 😊

The Lantern Society Will Provide
🏮 Welcome area
🍽️ Plates, bowls, cups, napkins & utensils
🧺 Tablecloths
🏷️ Name tags
🎟️ Conversation starters
🏮 Lantern Society stickers
🌭 Main entrée (depending on attendance)

Activities
🏑 Croquet
🌽 Cornhole (if available)
💬 Great conversation
🌳 Relaxing under the trees
🎉 Meeting new people

We hope you'll leave with:
💛 A few new conversations
💛 A few new friends
💛 A reason to come back next time

🏮 Community Contribution Sign-Up
If you'd like to bring a dish, drinks, a lawn game, or anything else to help make our first gathering special, please sign up here.

Community Contribution Form:
👇
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOzbyVTLqoTwiSd436W5T08Y1WTyg9FwF55ZTxysMMnKZqNA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104172627117601452323

After you submit the form, the Community Contribution List will be updated so everyone can see what's already being brought.

👇
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13QkQAnFzuMoDQIWvmzgQm1TA-X__JKK1LBUC3bg1tVI/edit?usp=sharing

Bringing something is completely optional. Whether you bring a homemade dessert, a bag of chips, or simply yourself…

There will be a place for you at the table. 💛

Location: Bush's Pasture Park, South Side (along Leffelle Street, between Summer and Davidson Street SE)