Downtown Suffolk was overrun with leprechauns, four-leaf clovers and pots of gold during Saturday’s annual Shamrock Stroll.

Well, not quite, but there were plenty of non-leprechaun visitors to downtown who enjoyed the Irish-themed festivities.

Jeff Garber, a Norfolk resident, said he came to downtown to try the Plaid Turnip on the recommendation of a friend. He saw there were other events going on, so he decided to stay a while.

“I’m impressed,” he said. “I like what’s happening here. It’s a friendly place.”

The sun shone on the city after a morning of rain, lighting up downtown for the lucky visitors.

Strollers along Main Street were treated to the tunes of Mike deMoss, who strummed his guitar from an empty storefront. Diners stopped in at Harper’s Table, Amici’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza Café, Mosaic by Holland’s, Plaid Turnip and Baron’s Pub, which served up pitchers full of green beer throughout the day.

Retail shops also got in on the action, with C3 Vino, Embroidery Etc., Jester’s Gallery Shop and Shooting Star Gallery all hosting special deals. Strollers were encouraged to get their photo taken with a Mr. Peanut poster at each location and upload it to the Downtown Suffolk Hospitality Association’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DowntownSuffolk, for a chance to win a Visit Suffolk Prize Pack.

Events venues also hosted some fun throughout the day, with C-Fit Studio, Hilton Garden Inn, Suffolk Art Gallery, Suffolk Visitor Center and The Second Floor welcoming people. For the second year, the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts turned its fountain green for the occasion.

See more photos from the event on our Facebook page.