After a large turnout last year, officials with New Hanover County and the city of Wilmington have partnered with Cape Fear Latinos to hold the second annual Cape Fear Latino Festival on Sept. 23 at Live Oak Pavilion in downtown Wilmington, according to a news release.

The event, part of the community’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), is scheduled to take place from 2 to 8 p.m. and have a range of vendors along with nonprofit organizations sharing information on resources, the release stated.

Admission to the festival is free, and the day will feature family-friendly activities, performances from local artists and a small parade starting at 1:30 p.m. to kick off the celebration, according to the release.

“Last year, the Arboretum and Cooperative Extension graciously played host to the inaugural Cape Fear Latino Festival, and we were delighted to see so many in our community come out for this cultural celebration,” said Vannia Raya, co-president of Cape Fear Latinos, in the release. “It became very apparent that a larger space to accommodate more people would be necessary and we’re so grateful for the collaboration to make it possible for Live Oak Pavilion to play host this year.”

Linda Thompson, New Hanover County’s chief diversity and equity officer, said in the release, “Our office looks to foster engaging ways to learn and understand other cultures, and this festival is an opportunity to spotlight cultural awareness for our residents. This event was such a success last fall and we’re looking forward to seeing its impact again this year.”