CLAYTON, Mo. - Taste of St. Louis returns; this time it’s in downtown Clayton and they’re celebrating a milestone.

“I think everyone is going to be really happy with the product we produce here,” said Chuck Justus, co-director of Taste of St. Louis. “It’s going to be clean. It’s going to be safe. It’s going to be fun. Is it hot? Yeah, it’s St. Louis Summer.”

On Friday afternoon, last-minute preparations were underway before the opening of Taste of St. Louis. The family-friendly event features more than 30 food and beverage vendors offering signature dishes and specials, along with live music all weekend.

“Originally, I’m from Morocco and grew up eating all the great French desserts, and I didn’t find many here,” said Hanane Aitoufella, Queen of the Macarons. “I learned and that’s how I got started.”

Some culinary creators and menu makers return to the 30-year-old event and others make their debut at the free outdoor weekend.

“The last couple of years some of our customers might recognize we’ve gotten into the canned and ready-to-drink space,” said Kevin Ready, retail director of Blueprint Coffee. “Which can be sold in places like this and grocery stores where you can find cold drinks in the cooler.

Taste goes on until 10 p.m. Friday night, Saturday from 11a.m. until 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Free water stations will be set up throughout the event.