It’s the season for nostalgia, so we’re looking at how community traditions help us feel connected to the place we live. Is there a certain holiday, or time of year, when you’ll go out of your way to be in your hometown? This week on the podcast, we’re sharing stories from around the country of Christmas traditions, Fourth of July festivities, summer music jams and a host of quirky celebrations from small town America. At first glance these customs may just seem like fun activities and social gatherings. But as we dig deep into the significance behind our traditions, it becomes clear that these events play an important role in enriching our culture and building our communities.

GUESTS:

Melody Warnick, author “This is Where You Belong” and “If You Could Live Anywhere”

Don Ryan, Whistlemaster of York, PA

Penny Meservier, former director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Farmington, Maine, home of “Chester Greenwood Day”

Marie McCusker, Executive Director of the Petaluma, CA Downtown Association and Visitor Program, home of “Butter and Egg Days”

Zach Tucker, Director of Operations, Planet Bluegrass, Lyons, CO

Stephanie Driggs from Pleasant Grove, UT home of “Strawberry Days”

Natasha Szilagyi from Seattle, WA

Ralph Tobias from Reading, PA