CRANBERRY TWP — More than 500 people sampled an array of foods during the annual Taste of Cranberry sponsored by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Held Monday at the Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North along Route 228, nearly 20 restaurants participated by offering samples of their cuisines and dishes.

Jim Boltz, chamber executive director, said the event nearly set an attendance record. He’s already received positive feedback from the event, which was helped by warm weather. It was held both indoors and outside.

“We got close to setting a record,” he said. “It was one of the better Taste of Cranberry events we’ve had in the last few years.”

The food wasn’t the only draw.

Boltz said a play area for children was met with great excitement, and added there were more than a dozen other vendors selling various products.

The bottom line, Boltz said, is that the event helped participants get to know restaurants, which is what it was all about.

“It’s all about promoting local businesses,” he said. “That’s what we’re here for.”