<em>Photo above: Everett Wilkes helps himself to a slice of juicy watermelon after the start of the annual Taste of Beaufort 5K race last Saturday morning on Bay Street. Photos by Bob Sofaly.</em>

The annual celebration of food and fun kicked off last weekend as hundreds attended A Taste of Beaufort in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Local restaurants showcased the area's culinary treasures — including plenty of seafood — and crowds enjoyed music, drinks, the arts and crafts market, and even a mechanical shark for the daring to ride. Patrons could sit and admire the great view of the Beaufort River while sampling wonderful food and listening to regional bands perform on the Pavilion Stage.

The events started last Saturday, May 7, with a 5K race in the morning, and after a long afternoon of nothing but merriment, ended for many with a sunburn, but also a feeling of contentment knowing that this is the pinnacle of Lowcountry living.

[caption id="attachment_28462" align="aligncenter" width="1020"]<img class="size-large wp-image-28462" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/DSC1503-1024x716.jpg" alt="Jordin Rodriguez, right, of Emily's restaurant, cooks up some blackened shrimp, one of several seafood dishes available during the annual Taste of Beaufort." width="1020" height="713" /> Jordin Rodriguez, right, of Emily's restaurant, cooks up some blackened shrimp, one of several seafood dishes available during the annual Taste of Beaufort.[/caption]

[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="28465,28464,28463,28466,28467,28468"]