The first of what organizers hope will be an annual event at Summerseat Farm lived up to its advance billing. There was plenty of “Beer, Bands & BBQ” to go around, in quantity and quality, to please every connoisseur of the events trio of treats. The massive volunteer effort to raise money for the farm was deemed a success by Summerseat President Jim Dicus.

Dicus said the event was especially successful in that it introduced for the first time many people to the historic farm that sits out of view alongside busy Route 235 in Oakville. Dicus said many of the people attending the event were from out of town. But he also was pleased that many local people had a chance to view the farm for the first time.

As for the financial bottom line, the numbers were still being tallied and were not available as of press deadline.

The farm’s buffalo herd, other farm animals, the manor house and other historic buildings were off limits during the event on Saturday. But Dicus told the audience he hoped they would come back for one of the farm’s regularly scheduled tours.

Legendary rock band the “Smithereens,” now in their 33rd year, was the headliner and they didn’t disappoint their fans and folks being introduced to them for the first time. Lead singer and one of the founders, Pat DiNizio endeared himself to the crowd with his humility and humor. At one point he told of the groups’ desperate early years of practicing in his father’s house’s basement while keeping his day job as a trash collector. Another of the original members, Jim Babjak was a bartender

The band performed a mix of 80’s retro music from their early works and some of the cuts from their most recent album released in 2011 called, of course, “2011.”

The farm rocked all afternoon with three lead in bands. Baltimore-based “One Louder” preceded the Smithereens with their 80’s Hair Rock Band music that had the crowd dancing in front of the bandstand. They brought some of their fans with them from Baltimore.

One Louder was preceded by local favorites the “Sam Grow Band” and “Justin Myles Experience.”