The ninth annual barbecue and oyster roast to support the Suffolk Unit of Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia will bring hungry people from across Hampton Roads to downtown Suffolk on Saturday.

The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina located behind the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront, 100 E. Constance Road. Participants will enjoy barbecue, oysters and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while enjoying live music by the Island Boy Band and other festivities.

Proceeds will benefit the programs and services the Suffolk Unit provides to more than a hundred students from kindergarten through 12th grade each school day. The 340 members of the club receive programming that focus on three priorities: academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.

The biggest thing that the (Suffolk Unit board members) want to do is raise awareness for the Boys and Girls Club, but they also want to cut costs from the operating budget,” Suffolk Unit Director LaMarr Coles said. “The oyster roast does a great job of doing that.”

Tickets are $30 per person, which includes all-you-can-eat food and two drink tickets for beer or wine. Additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased at $5 for two drink tickets. Soda and water are free of charge.

Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the gate on Saturday. Call 853-5632 for more information.