MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- September is dedicated to celebrating the Hispanic community, and on Thursday, Sept. 16, those celebrations continue in Milwaukee.

Hispanic Heritage Month began Wednesday, but on Thursday more of a formal celebration took place in the Deer District, with food, music and vendors.

There's a long list of people who made this event possible, and we spoke to one of them.

"We are essential workers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, we are represented in corporate, and I think the more we can use this as the opportunity to really highlight those contributions and also invite people to really learn about us and our culture," said Francesca Mayca Wegner, executive director of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee.

A big part of this year's effort is supporting Latino-owned businesses, an art exhibit featuring a Latino artist and some virtual cooking demos.