Why Community Events Matter More Than Ever
Families and businesses line the sides of the street in Downtown Lebabon, IN during Mischief on Meridian, sponsored by The Heart of Lebanon.
A few nights ago, downtown Lebanon was alive.
Kids in costumes lined up around the courthouse, parents chatted with coffee cups in hand, and that big orange pumpkin stood smiling over it all. You could feel the energy—people weren’t just attending an event, they were showing up for each other.
That’s the beauty of events like Mischief on Meridian. It’s organized by The Heart of Lebanon, a local nonprofit that believes strong communities are built when people gather, celebrate, and connect in shared spaces. You can scroll all day, but there’s nothing like standing shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbors on a crisp October night.
The Value of Showing Up Together
It’s easy to underestimate what these moments do for a town. A fall festival, a trick-or-treat night, a summer concert—they’re more than entertainment. They’re the pulse of community life.
The Heart of Lebanon hosts more than 35 events a year, each designed to bring people downtown—to connect residents, local businesses, and families in ways that build lasting relationships. Their goal is simple: enhance the heart, strengthen the community.
You see it in small ways:
Kids laughing in line for candy
Friends catching up after a long week of work and activities
Local shops are staying open late just to join in
Volunteers making sure every detail runs smoothly
These moments remind us that belonging isn’t something you buy or click—it’s something you build, one shared experience at a time. When people come together in a space that’s historic, familiar, and full of life, it roots them deeper in their town.
Why I Love Working With Community Organizations
I’ve photographed a lot of community events over the years, and I’m always struck by what happens behind the scenes. The early setup. The late teardown. The small army of volunteers who show up because they care about their neighbors.
That’s what makes organizations like The Heart of Lebanon so valuable. They do more than plan events—they foster connection and pride in place. They support local businesses, keep the historic downtown thriving, and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
As a photographer, I get to see the result of that work up close. I see the joy, the laughter, the small moments of kindness that make a town feel like home. One of my favorite moments from Mischief on Meridian was watching a little girl in a pink jacket hand out candy to another child who was too shy to ask. It wasn’t planned or posed, but it said everything about the kind of community Lebanon is—and the kind of community The Heart of Lebanon helps build.
Witham Health Services took home the prize for Most Spooktacular Booth this year!
Why It Matters to Me (and Maybe to You Too)
Community events might look simple on the surface, but they’re what hold us together. They give us a reason to slow down, talk to each other, and remember that we’re part of something shared.
That’s why I keep photographing them. It’s not just about capturing faces—it’s about preserving the way a town connects. When I work with groups like The Heart of Lebanon, I’m reminded that the strongest communities don’t happen by chance. They grow from intentional effort, creativity, and people who care enough to make things happen.
So keep showing up. Keep supporting local events. Keep saying yes when organizations like The Heart of Lebanon invite you to take part. Because those small-town moments—like a kid in costume running down Meridian Street under the lights—are what make Lebanon feel like home.
