The Taste of Buffalo presente by Tops, is the second largest food festival in the United States. It began in 1984 and now attracts almost 450,000 patrons annually. It has been voted WNY's premier outdoor festival. The mission of the Taste of Buffalo is "to provide an affordable and enjoyable weekend festival in a socially responsible manner for families of Western New York; to enhance the quality of life in the Niagara Frontier and promote downtown Buffalo."