One long line formed outside the YMCA facilities over Memorial Day weekend as people waited their turn to pile clams, salad and much more onto their plates.

The Summer Kick-Off Clam Boil event, hosted by Fay’s Restaurant & Catering, drew more than 400 people. Mike Mahoney, the director of the Dartmouth YMCA, said it was such a success that some attendees asked if they could host the event every month.

While that may not be a possibility due to logistical reasons, Mahoney said “one or two a year would be great.”

In addition to the meal, there was live music from bands Craig DeMelo: The Whiskey Poet and Negative Earth. The restaurant also offered beer, wine and sangria.

The event was more than just an outdoor picnic — a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Share the Harvest Community Farm, Dartmouth YMCA’s own volunteer-run vegetable garden.

The farm, which has been in operation for the last nine years, has expanded to cover nearly five acres of land. All the produce harvested at the farm is donated to 17 food pantries in the region.

While it’s not clear exactly how much was raised at the event, $700 was generated from raffle tickets alone. Raffle items included baskets of beer and a remote controlled beer cooler.

Victor Viera, the executive chef at Fay’s Restaurant, said he spent 12 hours preparing the feast. While 400 tickets were sold prior to the event, Viera planned for 450 people. He said cooking for that many wasn’t a problem.

“I’m never stressed out. I love cooking,” said Viera.

In case you missed out on the clam boil this time, Fay’s and the YMCA are currently in talks for hosting another event on Labor Day.