After 17 years, the Fox 25 News ZipTrip returned to Pembroke on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Scattered across the Pembroke Community Center lawn were local merchants and businesses, non-profit organizations, restaurants and more. Perfect weather allowed visitors to comfortably enjoy food and entertainment, gather information and watch it broadcast across New England.
The green was alive with activity. Photos by Anne Stanton
Alongside the local vendors, Fox 25 News broadcast their morning show live. The Fox 25 team consisted of local news personalities Gene Lavanchy, Nicole Gabe and Shiri Spear.
The Fox25 Trio, from left to right, of Shiri Spear, Gene Lavanchy and Nicole Gabe. Photos by Orlando Cavallo.
The Fox 25 team interviewed attendees and mingled in with the crowd. At one point a mom and son presented Mr. Lavanchy with pictures of them with him at the last ZipTrip in Pembroke, 17 years ago.
Local restaurants presented examples of their signature dishes and gave free samples to hungry residents. Restaurants included The Omelette Factory, Towne Tavern & Treehouse, Alumni Sports Cafe, Nor'Easter Pizza Co., A Fork in the Road Deli and Dunkin'.
Linda Gibbons, and staff Pam and Christen, from the Alumni Sports Bar as well as Dave Barry, owner of Towne Tavern & Treehouse, were just two of the restaurants giving away samples from their menus. A gelato cart provided a cool respite from the heat. Photos by Orlando Cavallo.
Veterans and military groups had their place on the green. The Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard had members available to discuss military life and opportunities. The American Legion displayed a collage of pictures showing their contributions to Pembroke and the local community.
Civic groups from across Pembroke made their presence known. The Mattakeesett Garden Club of Pembroke had a table of beautiful flowers, and Buddy & Friends Animal Rescue brought rescue dogs and provided adoption information.
Music Drives Us, a non-profit supporting art and music education, and student/community performers from Pembroke High School presented a community donation to the high school music department alongside a performance by the Pembroke High choir. The Pembroke School of Performing Arts performed a live dance for the crowd.
New England Village was featured during the broadcast for empowering adults with developmental disabilities and awarded the 2026 Champions of Care Award.
The Jimmy Fund/Dana-Farber was on-site for community fundraising and local support awareness. Local town departments & services included the Pembroke Police Department, local historical guides from the Pembroke Historical Society, and regional service dog organizations.
Making their first appearance at the ZipTrip was the Pembroke Citizen Journal. Kathleen Keegan and Anne Stanton, two of the powerhouse engines that keep the journal running, manned a table raising awareness with Pembroke residents about the paper and signing people up for free subscriptions.
Kathleen Keegan and Anne Stanton manning the PCJ table, giving out information, signing up subscribers and having a fun time. Photos by Orlando Cavallo.
Pembroke ZipTrip 2026 was a fun day with beautiful weather, lots to see, eat and learn. The smiles on the attendees' faces were all that was needed to know the event was a smashing success. Let's hope we don't have to wait another 17 years before the Fox 25 crew returns.
