Five questions with Carlos Barreras

Carlos Barreras, the president of the Asociacion of Cultural Hispanoamericana has helped direct the Hispanic festival since its inception in 1992. At Augusta Common on Saturday, he will join in the festivities as the festival celebrates its 13th year in Augusta.

• Photos

1. What's new at the festival this year?

"We're going to have a salsa contest, which is new this year. We're also going to have a health fair. Any women can come in and get a health screening."

2. What would you like people to know about the contributions that Hispanics have made to the United States?

"Hispanics were very much involved with the American Revolutionary War and helped to win it. We fought on both sides of the Civil War as well."

3. Is the Hispanic population thriving in Augusta?

"Very much so. Most people see Hispanics as labor, working in lower-level jobs. But all across the border we have Hispanics from the very top to the very bottom. They are involved and contributing, and paying taxes."

4. What kind of people usually attend the festival? Is it just Hispanics, or are all cultures represented?

"A wide variety of people. We want to share the music, the culture and the food."

5. Which has the better food, the Greek festival or the Hispanic festival?

"It's a toss-up. I'm one of those types of people who say that if you don't taste the food, how do you know whether you like it or not? I have my favorites, but it's all good."