The Journey of the Harrisburg Board Game Alliance: A Story of Community, Growth, and Play

The seeds of the Harrisburg Board Game Alliance were sown on a modest yet spirited day in conjunction with Friends of Midtown at the HACC Midtown campus. What started as a small gathering in a classroom, with about 30 board game enthusiasts sharing laughs over hotdogs and dice rolls was the beginning of something special. This first board game day marked the inception of a tradition that would soon become a cornerstone of the community in Harrisburg.

For the next three years, our event remained a staple in Midtown, moving from the creative spaces of Pursuit Coworking to the eclectic halls of HMAC, and finally returning to a larger venue at the HACC Midtown campus to accommodate our growing numbers. Each year, we watched with joy as more and more people joined us, drawn together by a shared love for board games.

However, like many communities worldwide, we faced a challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us to pause our beloved event. This period of reflection and adaptation was crucial. It allowed us to reimagine our board game day, not just as a Midtown-centric event, but as a gathering that welcomed the entire Harrisburg community.

In a triumphant return, we partnered with the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, finding a new home that resonated with our expanding vision. This collaboration marked a significant milestone as we welcomed over 250 people, celebrating our love for board games in a space that buzzed with energy and camaraderie.

2023 was a hallmark year for us. Our Board Game Day continued to flourish, drawing in over 375 people. This year also saw the introduction of the Harrisburg Board Game Yard Sale, a novel event that brought together over 200 enthusiasts. This gathering wasn't just about buying and selling games; it was about weaving the fabric of our community tighter, allowing people to build their collections and connect with fellow gamers.

Recognizing the growing impact and reach of our initiative, we took a significant step forward. In 2023, we restructured our gathering into a non-profit organization, adopting the name 'Harrisburg Board Game Alliance.' This new identity reflected our broader mission: to unite board game lovers from all corners of Harrisburg and beyond, to foster a community where fun, friendship, and the shared passion for board games thrived.

As the Harrisburg Board Game Alliance, we are more than just an event or a gathering. We are a testament to the power of play in bringing people together, a celebration of community spirit, and a beacon for board game enthusiasts everywhere. Here's to many more years of rolling dice, sharing stories, and building a community, one game at a time.