With apologies to the great Andy Williams and to all the rest who share his thoughts about Christmas, we direct your attention to what we truly believe is the most wonderful time of the year: Taste of Suffolk.

The city’s annual celebration of all things food takes place on Saturday, and the forecast could not be better for it: sunny and 73 degrees. Woohoo!

Taste of Suffolk is THE premiere event for the city’s epicures. The event site in Downtown Suffolk will stretch down North Main Street starting on Finney Avenue and cover Washington Street from Commerce to Saratoga Street. Main Street will be lined with booths from restaurants located across the city, each offering a selection of tapas-sized samples of some of their best and most popular treats.

There will be merchandise vendors, a new-car show, entertainment, eating contests and lots of other interesting attractions. Master Gardeners will provide gardening demonstrations, and a kids’ area will feature a rock climbing wall, bounce houses, face painting, amusements and more.

New this year will be a beer garden, to be located in the Oderzo Fountain area beside the Godwin Courts Building. The beer garden will feature a selection of craft breweries offering tastes of some of their special brews, including a chance to sample what’s expected to be on tap from Brick & Mortar Brewing Co., which plans to open in Downtown Suffolk next year.

But the star of the show will be the food.

Taste of Suffolk will feature some of Suffolk’s best eateries offering a limited menu of their best cuisine offerings. Restaurants will offer their items at minimal pricing, allowing event attendees to try a variety of foods.

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Make plans to attend, and come with an empty stomach. You’ll want to be able to savor every bite.