The act of dancing is maybe one of the most joyful things we can do as human beings. And when we get to do it for a good cause? Well, that’s one great do-gooder do-si-do.
This Sunday evening, July 21, you can do just that at the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund‘s annual “Swing Your Partner by the Bay,” a super-fun square dance on the lawn in front of Minnow at the Galley Ho — a pretty apropos spot for the celebration. If you’ve ever admired the stunning water views of Cutchogue Harbor there, you have the NSWF to thank.
Since 2004, their mission has been to save and steward the two and a half acre parcel of New Suffolk land here. NSWF gathered funds and volunteers to stave off the purchase of the area for commercial (and, likely, overused) purposes, keeping its park-like grounds much as they were decades ago, and encompassing a community garden, small marina for local boaters and non-swimming beach to lounge on and gaze at Robins Island in the distance from the sandy shoreline.

The organization has held true to its mission for 20 years, and this event is one of only two annual fundraisers for the year to keep their good work going. And it’s also darned fun.
Rain or shine, doors open to the event at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of First and Main streets on the lawn in front of Minnow at the Galley Ho. You can come for the music alone; you don’t have to eat. But not for nothing: It’s a bargain. Eighty bucks (if you buy now; at the door they’re $85; kids are $15) gets you the full Meat’s Meat of Mattituck barbecue extravaganza, which includes your choice of pulled pork or chicken, or a veggie burger if you prefer, along with two sides. Drink tickets are $10 for a glass of McCall Wine, and $5 for a Greenport Harbor Brewing beer; or, on the non-alcohol docket, $5 gets you two sodas. And, of course, the music, as well as a live auction with some pretty cool prizes.
Grab your tickets here.