In 2013, the City of Keene, New Hampshire broke the record for most lit jack-o’-lanterns with 30,581 on display.
It takes a lot of work and coordination to create a wall of fiery pumpkins. Can you imagine how the city felt at the achievement of a world record? I guarantee people talk about where they were and how they felt when the win was declared.
Common tasks unify people. They break barriers down. The help us work in close proximity without getting offended. Common history builds trust.
Over time, participants move on and new people arrive. Shared history degrades over time.
But these activities can work again towards the same goal. What’s most impressive to me is that Keene broke their own record. Eight times!
The same activity draws in more participants who want to be part of the same positive experience and shared history, crossing boundaries of race, sex, orientation, and political persuasion.
This Halloween remember we are all just people with a different perspective on how to carve a pumpkin.
Thoughtfully yours,
Jeff
