Whether you love food or a good time, Suffolk had what you were looking for on Saturday, as the city’s annual Taste of Suffolk event featured samples from some of the city’s best restaurants and entertainment from some of its favorite bands and personalities.

This year, more than 4,000 people were thought to have taken part in the Taste of Suffolk. They milled about on portions of North Main Street, East Washington Street and Market Street, meandering from one food tent to another, stopping here and there to watch street performers or to check out a fire truck or other emergency equipment or to learn a little more about the city’s SWAT team.

Those who attended the event got to hear a variety of good music on two different stages, check out some of the new and used cars available from two of Suffolk’s biggest car dealers and chat with vendors selling everything from dipping sauce to bathroom shower surrounds.

But the star of the show, appropriately enough, was the food. Redneck tacos. Bam-bam ribs. Jerk Chicken. Fancy cupcakes and doughnuts. Baked ziti. Hot dogs and hamburgers. Pulled pork sandwiches. Delectable delights for the most discerning of culinary tastes.

Judging from the smiles on the faces of both visitors and those working the eateries’ booths, the event was a success. Taste of Suffolk is an event that has grown each year since it started four years ago. It’s an event that folks all over the city look forward to and one that gives people an added reason to visit the historic downtown area.

Taste of Suffolk is exactly the type of event that sets Suffolk apart from its neighbors in Hampton Roads. And it’s exactly the type of event that makes us proud to be a part of this fine city.