Community picnic to celebrate the Westfield River at Whitney Field

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Westfield River Watershed Association is celebrating the Westfield River with a community picnic on Sunday at Whitney Field.

According to the Westfield River Watershed Association, the goal of this event is to enjoy a community afternoon summer picnic with friends and neighbors. It will also allow attendees a chance to stroll around the River Walk, participate in games and activities, and get to know people in your community. If you would like to attend, make sure to bring your own blanket.

The community picnic is free and open to everyone and is set to run from 1 PM until 5 PM. If it is raining for part of the day, the celebration will go on for the dryer part of the afternoon. If there is severe weather, the event will be canceled.

“This is a bring-your-own picnic, blanket, chair, and FUN event. All folks in the greater Westfield area are invited to enjoy a late summer’s day along our wonderful River as it flows through Whitney Park,” according to Ann Barone, 2nd VP of the WRWA. “We do offer a variety of activities throughout the year, including river cleanups and paddling. We thought it would be nice just to have a fun, simple event along the river that everyone can join in—at every age and skill level. A picnic seems perfect for bringing folks together on a late summer afternoon.”

“So far, our volunteers plan to lead family-friendly programs like a nature walk, gentle yoga, scavenger hunt, and fishing demonstration. We’re hoping for a few more individuals (or not-for-profits) to offer other activities celebrating our watershed such as family/ kid games, ball games, art activities (drawing, sketching, photography), writing (poetry, journalling), and perhaps Tai Chi, a bike ride, Geocaching, nature study and crafts.” Adds Barone, “It’s pretty much an open invitation to do something that interests you and at least a couple of other folks!”

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