Back when it started in the late 1970s, The Blowout was a simple summer gathering for locals. Today, it’s evolved into a 10-hour outdoor party at the Horseneck Holy Ghost Grounds.

“The very first one was in 1977. That year was about friends getting together for an end-of-the-summer party,” said Janine Simmons, one of the many organizers of The Blowout. “At that point, it was about 150 people from around the Dartmouth area getting together and having fun.”

“We have a lot of activities for families that evolved over the years. We’re in a different generation from the original group, so children have grown up and had families of their own. And a lot more children come than in the beginning,” she said.

This year’s event, which runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Aug. 8, will feature food, an area for kids and 10 hours of music from eight bands.

As the event grew, The Blowout organizers received more and more contributions, and Simmons said the group quickly realized they were making money.

“So we always gave it away. Every year we gave it away to something,” said Simmons.

In its earlier days, organizers wouldn’t determine the recipient until after the event. Simmons said the donation typically benefited someone local or some well-known cause. But then the group started to better organize and the recipient is now chosen well in advance. There’s also more effort placed into fundraising.

This year’s recipient is Braiden Norton, a 9-year-old from Padanaram. When Norton was about 18 months old, doctors discovered that he had a tumor, a noncancerous form of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, on his brainstem. Because of its location, operating on the tumor poses risks for Norton.

During his lifetime, he’s had two craniotomies to reduce the size of the tumor, several central line placements to ward off infections and about 50 MRIs.

Norton and his dad, Phil, visited the Select Board during Monday night’s meeting to express thanks for the Board’s decision to approve of the one-day liquor license for the event.

“Thank you for the permit for the fundraiser and for letting this happen,” said Norton, adding that he was thankful that he was chosen as this year’s Blowout recipient.

He said he had never been to the event before and was excited to take part. He also received some advice from the Select Board.

“Have fun on Saturday,” said Chair Shawn McDonald. “Don’t eat too much food. Listen to the music. And take a few rides on that fire truck — it’s pretty cool.”

Tickets for the event will be available at the door. You can also purchase tickets early at CV Liquors, Norton Gallery, Sylvia’s Auto Parts, Down to Earth Natural Foods, the Portuguese American Social Club and Westport Social Club. The $35 ticket grants you access to food and music. Commemorative T-shirts and hats will be on sale, and an auction and raffle will run throughout the day.