MORRISVILLE - Even with a small inaugural event and bad weather, town officials declared Saturday's Taste of Morrisville a success.

An estimated 1,500 people attended the storm-shortened festival to sample selections from Morrisville restaurants in what organizers hope will become a signature annual event.

Two years ago, the town canceled the annual Day in the Park festival because it became too costly. And since then, Morrisville has worked to develop an event that speaks to the town's special qualities.

Mayor Jackie Holcombe said the festival accomplished what she had hoped: a diverse spectrum of Morrisville residents who came to taste what local restaurants have to offer.

"I think Morrisville is unique, and this is what we're going to stick with - the emphasis on dining," Holcombe said.

She acknowledged that it can't compete with Cary's Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival or Apex's Peakfest, events that draw about 10,000 or more people from across the region. But she does hope Morrisville's event will grow.

"There is some of everything here," Holcombe said. "So maybe this will help get the word out that [Morrisville] is the place you should look first."

Nine restaurants set up booths along Town Hall Drive for the tasting, including Mawa's Taste of Africa, Inchin's Bamboo Garden, Peppers Market and Sandwich Shop, Georgina's Pizzeria, Teriyakin' Japanese Chargrill BBQ, Martin's Curry Rice, Saffron and Rita's Italian Ice. Visitors bought tickets to redeem for samples at each booth.

Rose Demattia, owner of Georgina's Pizzeria, which is named for her daughter, said she became involved through the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce. As she handed menus to passersby, she said she hoped the event would increase awareness about her business.

Ketan Patel of Inchin's Bamboo Garden said he had reached many people who didn't know about his restaurant but liked what they tried. He serves the kind of Chinese food offered in India, which is spicier than traditional Chinese and uses more ginger and garlic.

"If they do it next year, then we'll be here," Patel said.

One of those eating at the Bamboo Garden booth was Ramana Gudla of Morrisville. He said he liked what he tasted but wished more vendors participated.

"We've been to every one of these places before. There was nothing new," said Gudla, who eats out in Morrisville about once a month.

The festival was scheduled to run from noon to 7 p.m. with live music concluding the event. But organizers had to cancel the concert because of lightning and close the booths by 5 p.m.

Stacie Galloway, the town's former public information officer, was one of the original organizers. She said the event appealed to the town because it was more affordable with vendors being responsible for part of the cost.

To attract more visitors, the town also amended its alcohol ordinance earlier this year to allow sales of beer and wine if sold by an outside nonprofit organization. But the change came too late to attract a nonprofit partner for this year.

"I think, as with any new event, (vendors) want to see it first," said Galloway, who left to serve as Apex's spokeswoman. "As long as the restaurants are brought into it and they come prepared, it ought to be a success."