Honored for his commitment to service and the community, Brigadier General Michael T. Byrnes, Ret., head of Explore Bristol, is the recipient of the Mount Hope Farm 2017 Golden Pheasant Award.

The Trustees of Mount Hope Farm announced the award is given to Mr. Byrnes as "one who has made a significant impact on the sustainability of Mount Hope Farm. Mike's leadership in gathering committed Bristol citizens as Friends of Mount Hope Farm in the late 1990s created dynamic and lasting momentum,” a press release reads. “The farm continues to make new history through working to realize the grand vision of Mike and the Friends of Mount Hope Farm. Many of Mike’s ‘Friends’ continue to serve as Trustees of the Mount Hope Trust.”

The award will be presented on June 11 during the farm's chef-created, farm-to-table event — Feast in the Field. Cocktails and dinner from Russell Morin Fine Catering will be served outdoors among the farm’s sweeping fields, historic stone walls and blooming floral gardens. Tickets to the event are $125. 

Feast in the Field kicks off Mount Hope’s summer event season which will include a festive Father’s Day BBQ, an outdoor family film series, and the annual Cool Jazz event to be held Aug. 6. For reservations and more information on all events, call 401-254-1745 or visit www.mounthopefarm.org.

Mount Hope Farm’s Board of Trustees has also named Rhode Island newcomer, Sherri Darocha, as its new executive director.  She comes to Mount Hope Farm most recently from New York’s Hudson Valley, where she led the development and expansion of several projects within the region’s agriculture and culinary tourism industry.

As part of an expansion, the farm has increased its agricultural programming with the addition of a one-acre chef's garden, greenhouse operations and dedicated crops grower.  Kale from the operation’s first crop will be featured as a key ingredient at the Feast in the Field event. This garden joins Mount Hope Farm’s Growing4Good Garden, supporting the Rhode Island Food Bank.