A mass of people from all walks of life turned out Saturday for the relocated annual Taste of Durham Festival. Unlike past versions at Brightleaf Square in the city center, this year's festivities were held in the parking lot of an upscale office complex off Interstate 40 near Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

The gathering attracted several people from across the line in adjoining Wake County, including Mike Brennan of Cary. He said his girlfriend had heard about the festival. "Oh, it's excellent," Brennan said. "I mean, you've got beer, you've got wine, you've got great food." "I've sampled a little bit of everything," he said. Brennan was surprised -- and impressed -- by the diversity of those in attendance. "You've got everybody from newborns to very elderly people," he said. "It speaks well of the Triangle."

"We didn't realize there'd be all the entertainment and it would be as big as it is," said Ron Harman of Durham who, like many, was a Taste of Durham newcomer on Saturday. "It's really been a great experience so far," he said.

Harman's only concern was the hot weather. He said he would prefer a time with cooler temperatures than the unofficial 90 degrees-plus registered in area parking lots. His wife Cathy agreed. "I also think that it would be more fitting for it to be in downtown Durham or somewhere closer downtown," she said. "This just seems like it's so removed from Durham." Still, the pair said they enjoyed the food. The couple's 2 1/2-year-old daughter Kaylie wasn't too young to sample, either. "She can personally vouch for the pound cake," Ron Harman said.

Families abounded among the crowd, including Brandon Yancey and his wife, Meghan, both of Raleigh. In their baby carriage was 10-month-old son Reid. "I think it's a great atmosphere," Brandon Yancey said. The Yanceys additionally were one of many people who stood in line at the C and T's Italian Ices booth to make a purchase from among the nine flavors of cool non-dairy products.

"Very good," C and T's Amy Ludwig said of the vigorous pace of business. Asked how many folks had been served as of the mid-afternoon, she estimated, "A couple of hundred already." Several others were seated on curbs and munching on food, including Michael Pumphrey of Garner. Of the gathering, Pumphrey said, "It's not bad. Judging from what I read, though, I was expecting a few more food sponsors." Pumphrey was enjoying a Cuban sandwich.

Pumphrey's wife Kathleen said she always enjoyed being outdoors. "I'm a people person," she said. "I just like to watch people interact and I love to eat and so it's good."