The Suffolk Economic Development Authority on Wednesday committed $12,500 to sponsorships of Parks and Recreation events throughout the next year, including the Taste of Suffolk event on Sept. 10.

The authority voted to use the money to support Taste of Suffolk, the Grand Illumination and Holiday Parade events at Christmas time, and the 2012 TGIF concert series.

The money was allocated in the budget for sponsorships. The authority traditionally supports the events.

This year’s Taste of Suffolk falls on the day before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The city plans to commemorate the somber milestone with public safety personnel and displays at the event, said Lakita Frazier, parks and recreation director.

The event will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city is blocking off more space downtown to accommodate the extra participants.

This is the fifth year of the event, which last year drew about 4,000 people to historic Suffolk to sample food from local eateries.

This year, many participating restaurants are returning, along with some new ones, Frazier said. In addition, there will be a children’s area, live entertainment and a Suffolk history tent, with photos and authors of books about Suffolk history signing copies.

The sponsorship package also includes the December holiday events, including a nighttime Christmas parade, as well as next year’s concert series. Attendance at concerts this year has exceeded expectations, Frazier said.