這場由附近幾個里辦公室主辦的活動，地點就在我們居住社區附近的公園上，回想起來，上次有類似的活動，是某一年的中秋夜的社區烤肉大會活動，我們這裡中秋節有烤肉的傳統，幾個里辦公室聯合起來封一條街，各家各戶的居民以家庭為單位，領取烤肉用品及食材之後，就在封閉的大街上一起烤肉，是個蠻有趣的經驗，不知道這次的同樂會，會帶給我怎樣的驚喜？
當時間差不多時，我就往公園前進，在我到達時，公園內已經人山人海了，已經有好幾條蜿蜒的排隊人龍，那些夜市常見的吊瓶子、彈珠台、撈金魚攤位，還沒靠近就能聽到小朋友的笑聲此起彼落。住在附近的小孩早就衝第一，排隊要玩遊戲，看著他們，有些人蹲著專心鎖定要套的目標，有些人眼神閃亮亮地盯著水盆裡游來游去的金魚，我也感到興奮起來了。
另一頭，義剪的攤位前也不遑多讓，排著一長排的銀髮族，大家一邊聊著天，一邊等著理髮師，看著他們剪完後神清氣爽的模樣，我突然也有點想剪髮了，排最多人的兩個攤位分別是紅豆餅與爆米花，兩邊都大排長龍，紅豆餅可不是那種加了麻糬、起司、珍珠的網美版，而是傳統紅豆餅，外皮烤得酥香，裡頭包著熱呼呼、甜而不膩的紅豆餡，簡單卻經典，爆米花攤也一樣，不花俏，沒有奇特口味，就是一台老派的爆米花機，果然，「民以食為天」這句話永遠不會過時，無論現場有多好玩，能吃的、能飽的，才是老百姓最直接的選擇。
社區同樂會的攤位沒有華麗的招牌，提供的服務也很簡單，甚至有點復古懷舊的味道，但就是這種做法，讓人感覺特別親切，擺攤的人不是專業攤販，而是某些住在鄰里裡的熱心大哥或大姐們，美味的紅豆餅或爆米花外觀可能不怎麼樣，不過，都是誠意滿滿，人與人之間的連結，讓人忍不住想多待一會，多聊個幾句，這樣的樸實無華，才是社區同樂會最動人的地方。
This event, organized by a few local district offices, was held right in the park near our neighborhood. Thinking back, the last time we had a big community gathering like this was probably during a Mid-Autumn Festival years ago; it is a huge block party-style barbecue. It’s a local tradition here. The district offices had blocked off an entire street, and families came out with their barbecue kits and ingredients. We all grilled together under the moonlight and it was chaotic, smoky, and totally fun. So naturally, I was curious what kind of surprises this community fair might bring.
When it was about time, I headed over to the park, and wow, it was already packed. People everywhere, and several long, winding lines had already formed. Even before I got close, I could hear kids laughing and shouting from the game booths. There were all the classics you’d see at a night market: ring toss, pinball-style marble games, goldfish scooping… The neighborhood kids had clearly shown up early, already lining up excitedly. Some were crouched down, laser-focused on their targets, while others were staring wide-eyed at the tiny goldfish swimming in circles. Honestly, watching them got me excited too.
Over on the other side, the free haircut booth was just as popular—lined with silver-haired folks chatting while waiting for their turn. And I have to say, after seeing how fresh and breezy they looked post-cut, I started wondering if I should jump in line too.
But by far the longest lines of all? The red bean cake and popcorn booths. It is not surprising, "food comes first" as the saying goes. No matter how fun the event is, food always wins. The red bean cakes weren’t the trendy kind with mochi or cheese inside. Nope, these were the old-school kind, with crispy outsides and warm, slightly sweet red bean filling. Classic and satisfying. Same goes for the popcorn—just a simple vintage machine popping away, no fancy flavors, just that warm, buttery aroma in the air. Pure nostalgia in a paper bag.
What stood out most was how uncommercial the whole fair felt. No flashy signs, no gimmicks, just simple, sincere booths run by neighbors themselves. The red bean cakes and popcorn might not have been Insta-worthy, but they were made with heart. Everyone felt like family. You could stop to chat, laugh, and linger a little longer. That down-to-earth vibe—that sense of real human connection—is what made this community fair truly special.
