Aug 5, 2025
West Bridgewater River Walk 2025
The sound of laughter carried down River Street as families, neighbors, and visitors gathered under bright June skies. Kids darted between the bouncy house and petting zoo while the smell of barbecue mingled with coffee and fresh-baked bread. Along the route, local musicians strummed guitars and volunteers waved from booths, welcoming guests to learn, taste, and explore.
The West Bridgewater River Walk 2025, held on Sunday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., was a full-day celebration of open space, local business, and community connection. Organized by the West Bridgewater Open Space Committee & Conservation Commission, the annual event highlights what makes this small right-to-farm town so special: its people, its history, and its shared commitment to preserving the land that ties it all together.
This year’s River Walk was coordinated by Nick and Ashley Anderson, who led a team of volunteers, municipal partners, and local organizations to bring the route to life. The day’s path stretched from War Memorial Park through River Street, Pratt’s Landing, and the Keith House, each stop offering a unique experience that connected visitors to both the town’s past and its future.
A Walk Through History
Where the past meets the present on River Street.
War Memorial Park, a cornerstone of town life and a favorite gathering spot for families, served as one of the day’s main hubs. Its shaded pathways and scenic views made it an ideal starting point. Visitors were invited to explore the park’s natural beauty while enjoying live music, food, and crafts.
Heading down River Street, guests stopped to meet local makers and businesses before reaching the historic Keith House, a 17th-century parsonage owned by the Old Bridgewater Historical Society. Believed to be the oldest remaining parsonage in the United States, the Keith House offered guided tours led by volunteers who shared stories from West Bridgewater’s early days.
Further along the route, Pratt’s Landing served as a showcase for the West Bridgewater Conservation Commission, offering hands-on learning opportunities about wetlands, waterways, and local wildlife. Visitors could also meet the team from Victory Kayak, try their hand at Mike’s Music Games, or enjoy a set from Acoustic Idiots, whose folk-inspired performance became a highlight of the afternoon.
A Walk Through History
Where the past meets the present on River Street.
War Memorial Park, a cornerstone of town life and a favorite gathering spot for families, served as one of the day’s main hubs. Its shaded pathways and scenic views made it an ideal starting point. Visitors were invited to explore the park’s natural beauty while enjoying live music, food, and crafts.
Heading down River Street, guests stopped to meet local makers and businesses before reaching the historic Keith House, a 17th-century parsonage owned by the Old Bridgewater Historical Society. Believed to be the oldest remaining parsonage in the United States, the Keith House offered guided tours led by volunteers who shared stories from West Bridgewater’s early days.
Further along the route, Pratt’s Landing served as a showcase for the West Bridgewater Conservation Commission, offering hands-on learning opportunities about wetlands, waterways, and local wildlife. Visitors could also meet the team from Victory Kayak, try their hand at Mike’s Music Games, or enjoy a set from Acoustic Idiots, whose folk-inspired performance became a highlight of the afternoon.
A Walk Through History
Where the past meets the present on River Street.
War Memorial Park, a cornerstone of town life and a favorite gathering spot for families, served as one of the day’s main hubs. Its shaded pathways and scenic views made it an ideal starting point. Visitors were invited to explore the park’s natural beauty while enjoying live music, food, and crafts.
Heading down River Street, guests stopped to meet local makers and businesses before reaching the historic Keith House, a 17th-century parsonage owned by the Old Bridgewater Historical Society. Believed to be the oldest remaining parsonage in the United States, the Keith House offered guided tours led by volunteers who shared stories from West Bridgewater’s early days.
Further along the route, Pratt’s Landing served as a showcase for the West Bridgewater Conservation Commission, offering hands-on learning opportunities about wetlands, waterways, and local wildlife. Visitors could also meet the team from Victory Kayak, try their hand at Mike’s Music Games, or enjoy a set from Acoustic Idiots, whose folk-inspired performance became a highlight of the afternoon.
Food, Music, and Local Flavor
A celebration of taste and sound along River Street.
From start to finish, River Walk 2025 delivered a feast for the senses. Food trucks and local businesses lined the path, offering everything from slow-smoked barbecue to sweet pastries and small-batch brews.
Crowd favorites included 2 Jerks BBQ, Front Line Bakery, Vineyard Farm, Gonzalez Mexican Food Truck, Have-a-Bite Coffee & Cookie Truck, and Black Hat Brew Works.
The day’s soundtrack featured a mix of regional talent: Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards, Dan Blakeslee, and hometown favorite Acoustic Idiots, whose performances drew crowds to War Memorial Park and Pratt’s Landing. Each set added a personal note to the event, reminding everyone that music is as much a part of West Bridgewater’s identity as its open spaces.
Food, Music, and Local Flavor
A celebration of taste and sound along River Street.
From start to finish, River Walk 2025 delivered a feast for the senses. Food trucks and local businesses lined the path, offering everything from slow-smoked barbecue to sweet pastries and small-batch brews.
Crowd favorites included 2 Jerks BBQ, Front Line Bakery, Vineyard Farm, Gonzalez Mexican Food Truck, Have-a-Bite Coffee & Cookie Truck, and Black Hat Brew Works.
The day’s soundtrack featured a mix of regional talent: Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards, Dan Blakeslee, and hometown favorite Acoustic Idiots, whose performances drew crowds to War Memorial Park and Pratt’s Landing. Each set added a personal note to the event, reminding everyone that music is as much a part of West Bridgewater’s identity as its open spaces.
Food, Music, and Local Flavor
A celebration of taste and sound along River Street.
From start to finish, River Walk 2025 delivered a feast for the senses. Food trucks and local businesses lined the path, offering everything from slow-smoked barbecue to sweet pastries and small-batch brews.
Crowd favorites included 2 Jerks BBQ, Front Line Bakery, Vineyard Farm, Gonzalez Mexican Food Truck, Have-a-Bite Coffee & Cookie Truck, and Black Hat Brew Works.
The day’s soundtrack featured a mix of regional talent: Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards, Dan Blakeslee, and hometown favorite Acoustic Idiots, whose performances drew crowds to War Memorial Park and Pratt’s Landing. Each set added a personal note to the event, reminding everyone that music is as much a part of West Bridgewater’s identity as its open spaces.
Community and Nonprofit Partners
Collaboration that makes conservation come alive.
Throughout the day, residents and visitors met with dozens of local organizations and civic groups that reflect the spirit of West Bridgewater.
Among them were: Old Bridgewater Historical Society, West Bridgewater Food Pantry, West Bridgewater Emergency Fund, West Bridgewater Conservation Commission, Bay Circuit Trail, Wildlands Trust, Natural Resources Trust of Bridgewater, Lion’s Club, Friends of the West Bridgewater Library, and West Bridgewater Cable Access.
Each organization helped transform the River Walk into something more than a neighborhood event—it became a living example of what collaboration looks like when a town values its history and its future in equal measure.
Community and Nonprofit Partners
Collaboration that makes conservation come alive.
Throughout the day, residents and visitors met with dozens of local organizations and civic groups that reflect the spirit of West Bridgewater.
Among them were: Old Bridgewater Historical Society, West Bridgewater Food Pantry, West Bridgewater Emergency Fund, West Bridgewater Conservation Commission, Bay Circuit Trail, Wildlands Trust, Natural Resources Trust of Bridgewater, Lion’s Club, Friends of the West Bridgewater Library, and West Bridgewater Cable Access.
Each organization helped transform the River Walk into something more than a neighborhood event—it became a living example of what collaboration looks like when a town values its history and its future in equal measure.
Community and Nonprofit Partners
Collaboration that makes conservation come alive.
Throughout the day, residents and visitors met with dozens of local organizations and civic groups that reflect the spirit of West Bridgewater.
Among them were: Old Bridgewater Historical Society, West Bridgewater Food Pantry, West Bridgewater Emergency Fund, West Bridgewater Conservation Commission, Bay Circuit Trail, Wildlands Trust, Natural Resources Trust of Bridgewater, Lion’s Club, Friends of the West Bridgewater Library, and West Bridgewater Cable Access.
Each organization helped transform the River Walk into something more than a neighborhood event—it became a living example of what collaboration looks like when a town values its history and its future in equal measure.
A Commitment to Conservation
Protecting what sustains us.
The West Bridgewater Conservation Commission reminded attendees that environmental stewardship isn’t just about preservation—it’s about balance. Protecting wetlands and waterways safeguards the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we grow. Through thoughtful planning and sustainable development, the Commission continues to ensure that West Bridgewater’s growth happens in harmony with the natural landscape that defines it.
As one volunteer put it, “Our town’s health is tied to the health of our environment. When we care for these spaces, we’re caring for each other.”
A Commitment to Conservation
Protecting what sustains us.
The West Bridgewater Conservation Commission reminded attendees that environmental stewardship isn’t just about preservation—it’s about balance. Protecting wetlands and waterways safeguards the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we grow. Through thoughtful planning and sustainable development, the Commission continues to ensure that West Bridgewater’s growth happens in harmony with the natural landscape that defines it.
As one volunteer put it, “Our town’s health is tied to the health of our environment. When we care for these spaces, we’re caring for each other.”
A Commitment to Conservation
Protecting what sustains us.
The West Bridgewater Conservation Commission reminded attendees that environmental stewardship isn’t just about preservation—it’s about balance. Protecting wetlands and waterways safeguards the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we grow. Through thoughtful planning and sustainable development, the Commission continues to ensure that West Bridgewater’s growth happens in harmony with the natural landscape that defines it.
As one volunteer put it, “Our town’s health is tied to the health of our environment. When we care for these spaces, we’re caring for each other.”
A Day to Remember
A community tradition that grows every year.
Every booth, performance, and smile shared along River Street reflected what makes the River Walk such a beloved tradition. Families learned, kids played, and neighbors reconnected—reminding everyone that small towns thrive when their open spaces do too.
The day ended with laughter and music echoing through River Street, a perfect close to a celebration that honors both community and conservation.
“Events like the River Walk remind us how lucky we are to live in a town that still values open space, history, and connection,” said a longtime resident at Pratt’s Landing.
A Day to Remember
A community tradition that grows every year.
Every booth, performance, and smile shared along River Street reflected what makes the River Walk such a beloved tradition. Families learned, kids played, and neighbors reconnected—reminding everyone that small towns thrive when their open spaces do too.
The day ended with laughter and music echoing through River Street, a perfect close to a celebration that honors both community and conservation.
“Events like the River Walk remind us how lucky we are to live in a town that still values open space, history, and connection,” said a longtime resident at Pratt’s Landing.
A Day to Remember
A community tradition that grows every year.
Every booth, performance, and smile shared along River Street reflected what makes the River Walk such a beloved tradition. Families learned, kids played, and neighbors reconnected—reminding everyone that small towns thrive when their open spaces do too.
The day ended with laughter and music echoing through River Street, a perfect close to a celebration that honors both community and conservation.
“Events like the River Walk remind us how lucky we are to live in a town that still values open space, history, and connection,” said a longtime resident at Pratt’s Landing.