River Swing Celebrates Environmental Successes with Southern Flair

This year, Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing — affectionately known as the “Harpeth Hootenanny” — marked its 23rd year of combining river conservation with community celebration. 

Since 1999, Harpeth Conservancy has restored and protected clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers across Tennessee. River Swing, dubbed “Most Fun Party” in Nfocus’ Best Parties 2025 issue, masterfully immerses guests in the natural landscapes Tennessee is known for and offers a poginant reminder of why conservation matters.

Guests gathered at scenic River Circle Farm for an evening of outdoor festivities, live performances and dancing — the ultimate Nashville trio. Revelers took in lilting acoustic guitar, upright bass and tambourine from Americana band Wily while lounging on plush outdoor couches. 

As the sun set, guests moved into the dinner tent for a delicious buffet and remarks from Harpeth Conservancy CEO Grace Stranch. “Our rivers in Tennessee and across the country have a head and a mouth, but they do not have a voice,” she said. “That’s where all of you come in.” She then thanked three voices that continually champion Tennessee’s rivers — co-chairs Christian Currey, Elena Graves and Betsy Taylor — for their dedication in bringing this year’s event to life. 

Grace also highlighted some of the organization’s many triumphs: partnering with Nashville PBS for the Down the Duck documentary, advancing TN Water Watch, the state’s first predictive E. coli modeling system, and passing a bill to remove lead service lines and further improve water quality across the state. 

To make the night even more lively, guests partook in a fun-filled Best Dressed contest, highlighting revelers’ “River Chic” attire. And, per River Swing tradition, the soirée culminated on the dance floor, as serenades by The Jack Wharff Band got everyone on their feet.