“Boats, Beer and BBQ” sails into Stony Creek on Friday, Sept. 16, with boats and nautical treasures for the public to behold and buy, from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a magical dinner event, 6 to 7:30 p.m., for ticket holders to enjoy at the waterfront site. Proceeds benefit programs and projects of non-profit Stony Creek Museum.

The late afternoon, early evening affair will overlook Long Island Sound in a lovely field beside the canal where Thimble Island Road and Linden Point Road converge in Stony Creek, said Jennifer Walker, a member of the museum board of directors.

During the day, “...the canal surrounding the event will be filled with all types of watercraft, some for sale and all to look at. Captains will be on hand to answer questions and delight enthusiasts with their combined knowledge of boating,” said Walker.

Jonathan “Captain Jon” Waters will be among the nautical experts helping to share descriptions of boats that will be on view and on sale. They include a Phil Bolger sharpy sailing skiff, a fiberglass “Whitehall type” rowing skiff trimmed in mahogany (which Waters describes as a “true classic head turner”), an Adirondack guide boat, a “collector’s classic” Kelsey skiff, various rowing craft, and project boats. Many vintage outboard engines will also be on display and available for sale. Other elements include a nautical tag sale of boat hardware and fittings (as Waters noted, “...they don’t make them like this anymore!”) and more. A portion of all sales will benefit the Stony Creek Museum and programs.

The evening’s ticketed event will feature all-you-can eat BBQ provided by Wallingford’s award winning The Pig Rig pit crew. The BBQ menu includes pulled pork, chicken, Cowboy baked beans, smoked mac and cheese, a vegetarian option, dessert, and complimentary soft drinks. Local breweries are providing a fantastic selection of beer and an amazing wine array including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose from Provence and “...a light Red that fits perfectly with barbecue,” said Walker. Each BBQ dinner ticket includes a free drink ticket.

Tickets and are on sale now at stonycreekmuseum.org; or at the museum, located at 84 Thimble Island Road, and Seaside Home and Gifts, 172 Thimble Island Road. Tickets are available through Wednesday, Aug. 31.

The Stony Creek Museum is open to the public free of charge 1 to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday. As stated at its website, the mission of museum is to collect, archive and exhibit items which reflect the unique history, culture and community of Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands.

“Boats are an essential component in our lives here on Long Island Sound,” said Walker. “The Boats, Beer and Barbecue event will take us beyond our museum doors to engage with the community at a fun event.”