ALT's Fiesta Verde Celebrates "Down on the Farm"

If the rusty red farm truck didn't give it away, then the bartenders in cowboys hats and buckles must have led to the conclusion of this year's country- themed party.

The Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) held its annual Fiesta Verde on July 24, 2010 in Portsmouth with the theme "Down on the Farm," complete with a Texas-style barbecue. However, with "friends" tickets starting at $100 a plate, this was no ribs only barbecue. Honey harvest mojitos, a raw bar and chilled avocado soup were just a few of the edible offerings at this year's fundraiser.

Other sweats and treats, served by Blackstone Catering, included grilled watermelon, Texas-style pecan squares, native peach cobbler, an Aquidneck blackberry buckle and old-fashioned, mile-high lemon meringue pie.
Howard and the High Rollers took the stage at 8:30 p.m., performing for the approximate 375 people in attendance.

Rainstorms earlier in the day, and the resulting mud, didn't deter members and guests from attending while adorned in cowboy boots and Stetsons.
The event also featured a silent action, in which bids were accepted for a variety of items, including getaways, wellness packages, jewelry and art. The items were donated by many local businesses, including Blackstone Catering, Rhode Island Nurseries and T.J. Brown Landscaping.

Proceeds from this year's event are still being calculated by organizers.
This year's Fiesta Verde was held in correlation with the ALT's 20th anniversary. Since 1990, the ALT has worked to protect numerous local farms, such as Sweet Berry Farm, Escobar's Highland Farm, Aquidneck Farms and Swan Farm, the location of this year's barbecue.

The ALT has also worked to protect and conserve many other areas, including the Sakonnet Greenway Trail and Miantonomi Memorial Park.

For more information about the ALT, please visit http://www.ailt.org.