Ravenswood's diverse residents gather to eat together at our 96' long community dining table

Hundreds of community residents came out to enjoy a free dinner from seven of Ravenswood's best retaurants.

What an incredible night!

To the wonderful community of Ravenswood, thank you, thank you, thank you for your overwhelming support of our first-ever Heart of Ravenswood Community Summer Supper on Saturday, July 12, in downtown Ravenswood.

It was a truly phenomenal success, and from the smiles we saw and the feedback we've already heard, it sounds like you all enjoyed it just as much as we did!

We know things were a bit cozy on Saturday, and we sincerely appreciate your patience as you waited in line for some delicious food. Your good humor and understanding made all the difference!

Looking ahead to next year, we're already envisioning an even grander event with more fantastic local restaurants, expanded space to spread out, ample seating, and even more entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Let us know how we did!

To help us make the next Community Summer Supper even better and ensure it delivers everything you want, please take a moment to share your feedback at https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eb6RwWh56HkXGo6

Your input is incredibly valuable to us!

Jackson News Article:

The heart of the community came out for Ravenswood’s inaugural dinner

by Suzette Lowe FOR JACKSON NEWSPAPERS Jul 13, 2025

RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. (WV News) — When Molly Washburn and her team envisioned a community dinner for Ravenswood, they had hopes that it would draw folks to come down to Walnut Street to enjoy some good food and good times.

And draw folks, it did!

An estimated 500-plus people came downtown on July 12 as Ravenswood Downtown Partners hosted what they now term “a block party” for their beloved community.

“It was off the charts,” Washburn, director of Downtown Ravenswood Partners and ONTRAC, said. “It went beyond our wildest dreams.”

Washburn attributes the success of the event to the team that worked diligently to pull everything together. This included marketing.

“Dawn Sharp, our social media manager and on our promotions committee, did a phenomenal job,” Washburn said. “The quality and quantity of her posts were incredible. She had posts scheduled well in advance.”

When she speaks of the team, that also means the local restaurants that provided the food.

Each of the seven — Butcher Block, Dawg Pound, Santee Sweets, Inaka’s Hibachi, Steaming Cup, The Feed Trough, and Las Fajitas — shared their culinary creations with all the partygoers.

“I was texting them that morning, telling them to be prepared for a huge crowd,” Washburn said. “We were hearing lots of buzz and getting lots of questions. And they were incredible. Most importantly, they were pleased with the event and the feedback they were getting.”

While there was a long row of tables ready for people to dine, canopies were also provided for overflow. Ravenswood Care Center and Ravenswood Parks and Recreation, along with others, donated their use. Extra chairs were obtained from local churches.

Musical entertainment was performed by Laurie Mae.

“She was wonderful and brought her sound system,” Washburn said. “Next year, we’re going to put some wireless speakers or something around so everyone will be able to hear. She added so much to the atmosphere.”

Atmosphere was the most important aspect of what Downtown Ravenswood Partners wanted to bring.

“We wanted people to have fun, to see friends and maybe meet people for the first time, to talk, laugh and enjoy good food and good music,” Washburn said. “And that’s exactly what we saw and heard.”

With any inaugural event, there will be things that need to be fixed for the next time.

“We are going to figure out a way to expand the area,” Washburn said. “And we’ll have a different plan for managing the lines for the food. That was probably the most challenging part. We had a plan, but once all those people came, that plan went out the window. But, you know, it still was a delightful evening, and everyone just looked so happy to be there.”

There was no entry fee. Food was free and no RSVP was required. Shuttles provided transportation from the Plaza. This allowed people of all ages and economic status to come and enjoy their town.

“I think every demographic was represented,” Washburn said with a smile. “And that’s exactly what we wanted.”

One question was asked quite a bit. Why wasn’t all of Walnut Street closed off to provide more space?

“Washington Street and Walnut, except for the area we were in that led to Race Street, are state highways,” Washburn explained. “We cannot legally block those off. So, once the committees get to meet and discuss next year’s party, we’ll figure out a way to expand. It’s just going to take a little imagination and planning.”

One sign of a successful party is how much food is left over.

“Not one speck was left,” Washburn said with a laugh. “In fact, two of the restaurants were out by 7:30 p.m.”

Washburn said that someone told her that this community dinner/block party could become Ravenswood’s “signature event.”

“Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” she said. “To have our town known for a sense of community, connection, and happiness would be perfect.”

Thrift Store Art Challenge Winner Megan Crow!

One special event at the dinner was the Thrift Store Art Challenge sponsored by Ravenswood Arts. The people’s choice winner was Megan Titus Crow with her “Hocus Pocus”-themed painting.

Using acrylic paints, Crow darkened the fence, path and flowers, changed the brick wall to stone like in the movie, and worked on the cottage.

“I fixed some details and added the essential green glow and purple smoke,” Crow said. “I put a water wheel and other things, including Dani and Binx walking up the path. I tried to match the original artist’s style so it would flow as seamlessly as possible.”

"We are so blessed to be part of this community"

Roxanne Archer:

"Molly and her crew did a fantastic job. I volunteered and helped clear plates and hand out waters. Tons of people there, the restaurants did a fantastic job and were are very friendly. What a awesome event it was for a small town. Kudos to all that put it together."

Tammy Crookshanks:

"Thank you to everyone who worked and contributed to the Heart of Ravenswood Community Supper. It was a success!"

Lois Coberly:

"A shout out to all the local restaurants that made this happen. Hope it becomes an annual event. I thought it was wonderful."

Sarah Dawn Dennis:

"Bravo! small town, BIG HEART"

Heather Santee, Santee Sweets:

"We are so honored & blessed to be a part of the Ravenswood Community Summer Supper!!! The turnout was amazing!!! Thank you Downtown Ravenswood Partners & Molly Washburn for including us & planning this event. Thank you to everyone that came out & supported this event. Huge shout out to Gary Cross being right beside me serving everyone. You are amazing. I will definitely know what to expect next year & have more food . (Everyone that knows me knows I always go overboard .) Wow!!! Ravenswood is an amazing city & I am so proud to call it my hometown. Michael Santee thank you for being by my side & building this dream with me."

Butcher Block:

"Downtown Ravenswood Partners, thank you for hosting the Heart of Ravenswood event. We appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful community gathering."

Steaming Cup and Las Fajitas:

"We are so blessed to be part of this community, @downtownravenswood. Congratulations on your success yesterday. Thank all sponsors and volunteers. I know a few who went above and beyond to make this happen."

Dawg Pound"

"I want to sincerely thank the Downtown Ravenswood Partners for giving us the opportunity to be part of their Ravenswoods summer supper. It truly means a lot to us. But more than anything, I want to thank my incredible team — the ones who stepped up, set everything up, and made it all happen on their own. I couldn’t ask for a better group to work with. They’re truly one of a kind, and I’m beyond grateful for each of them. Thank you all."