You can’t see a 1924 Hupmobile, or a 1926 Ford-Model T or a 1959 Studebaker Lark in a dealer’s showroom, but you can see them all, along with some 200 other classic cars at the third annual Cruise Blues and Brews on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Chester Fairgrounds. In addition to vintage vehicles, the event features autos from classic muscle cars of the 1950s to more recent Chevy Corvettes and Ford Mustangs. The event benefits the At Risk Boys Fund, dedicated to helping vulnerable young men and boys.

The At Risk Boys Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, partners with groups that sponsor programs to ease the challenges life presents for youths whose backgrounds indicate the potential for destructive outcomes. The fund combats bullying; provides guidance and mentoring for young men; helps families with children with shelter, rent and financial aid; and assists foster children with the transition to independent living.

The cars are a main attraction at Cruise Blues and Brews, but as the event’s name promises, there also will be bluegrass bands and local beers on tap from Thimble Islands Brewing Company. Connecticut bluesman Ramblin’ Dan Stevens put together the band lineup, which includes his own Ramblin’ Dan Stevens and the Fiery Band, Peter Magrane and the Drive By Blues Band, Blues on the Rocks, Ryan Hartt and Tom Ferraro, and Jake Kulak and the Lowdown with Braiden Sunshine, a semi-finalist on NBC’s The Voice in 2015.

Local restaurants will be providing food from wood-fired pizza to lobster rolls, burgers, and burritos. Participating eateries include The Villager in Chester, Cloud Nine and Café Marche in Old Saybrook, and Taqueria Cinco in Madison.

The At Risk Boys Fund started a decade ago at Let’s Hear it for the Boys, originally a fundraiser for Mount St. John’s in Chester, then a residential facility for troubled teens, many of whom were placed there by juvenile authorities. In 2013, Mount St. John’s reorganized itself and now functions as a clinical day school serving teens and young men. Let’s Hear It for the Boys expanded its activities as the At Risk Boys Fund to encompass youth throughout Middlesex County.

Bill Guerra, who has chaired the board both of the At Risk Boys Fund and Let’s Hear It For the Boys, describes his ongoing efforts as a chance to give back to the community, but he gives much of the credit for his group’s success to the volunteers who work with the organizations the fund supports.

“They are the real heroes,” he says.

The first two Cruise Blues and Brews events, according to Guerra, proved very popular.

“We thought it was something different and it brought awareness to our cause. It has evolved and become even more appealing,” he said.

Last year, he added, more than 700 people attended the event. In case of rain, Cruise Blues and Brews will be postponed until Sunday, Oct. 1.

Cruise Blues and Brews

A Benefit for the At Risk Boys Fund on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Sunday, Oct. 1) at the Chester Fairgrounds, 11 Kirtland Terrace. Tickets ($5, under 12 free) are available at www.atriskboysfund.org or at the gate.