PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. ()– Despite cancellations in other towns, the city of Port Wentworth went ahead with its 2nd annual “La Fiesta Hispanic” Latin festival Friday. City officials added additional security measures and police officers to ensure the safety of everyone.

“There’s no secret about some of the environment right now going on with immigration and things of that nature,” said Port Wentworth City Manager Steve Davis. “So, we just want to make sure that the residents and the patrons here at our festival are safe and secure.”

The festival featured a variety of vendors, food and live entertainment. The purpose of this event was highlighting the contributions, cultures and strength of the Hispanic and Latin community in Port Wentworth.

“The best part about being in America is that we are a melting pot,” Davis said. “It’s something that we can celebrate. If you’re a Latin person that lives in Port Wentworth, you can share your dance, your music and your food with everyone that might not be Hispanic or Latino. We can appreciate each other’s overall culture.”

Festivalgoers expressed excitement when they learned the event would go on as scheduled.

“We came out here to just, like, celebrate Hispanic culture. I’m half Puerto Rican, so we’re finding that to be a great reason to go,” one festivalgoer told News 3, adding it was a great way to hear the sounds and savor the tastes of Latin culture.

“We always follow the food trucks and our cuisine because we can’t live without the food from home,” another festivalgoer said.

Port Wentworth city officials said they hope to continue the tradition and hold this festival again next year.