I stumbled into Dijon Duenas – musically known as Dijon, a Grammy Award-nominated singer and songwriter – on Saturday, July 25 at the Eaux Claires festival in Carson Park. (Photo by Evelyn Nelson)

One of the first things you discover when moving to Eau Claire is the genuine friendliness of passersby. Folks rarely miss a chance to say “hello” or “beautiful day out, huh?” when you’re on the sidewalk together.

For some, the greeting may be surprising – it might take some time before you eventually offer a greeting in return.

After years of getting used to this local habit, I’m still reminded of how much that simple action impacts the moments we remember most during events out in the community.

Just this past weekend, Chalkfest arrived for its 19th year in downtown Eau Claire; the weekend before that, Eaux Claires emerged from the shadows of local arts and indie history.

Those two events are examples of how our community comes together around arts and the desire for connection. Regardless of how these events evolve, one constant remains: those recurring smiles and warm welcomes from friends – or better yet, a stranger.

Even in a sea of thousands at the Eaux Claires festival this year, I quickly discovered just how effortless it was to stumble upon a new face – and share a quick “hello” – while moving through the crowds. These connections spotlight a collective kindness that flourishes here, a kindness echoed in the many stories throughout this issue of Volume One.

So the next time you cross paths with a stranger, consider this your sign to just say “hello”; you never know… they just might end up being the headlining act at an internationally-known music festival in a historic baseball stadium.

That same "stranger," later that evening, as he performs a headline set for the Eaux Claires festival. (Photos by Graham Tolbert)