CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — There’s more security at the Great Colombian Fest this weekend as organizers aim to protect attendees during an uptick in violence.
Summer violence brought out more Chicago police to patrol the event, which is being held in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
After two people were shot and killed following the Puerto Rican Day Parade last month, police have stepped up their presence at the festival.
Organizer Jorge Ortega told CBS 2 the festival is a chance for people to enjoy themselves after a very hard year.
“So we got hit sort of twice. we were feeling all of the deaths and souls that we lost due to COVID and then turn around and have such a violent spring and summer in Chicago,” Ortega said.
He’s among those feeling the los after his father died of COVID-19 last year.
Organizers are asking people attending the festival to be vaccinated or a have a negative test but they’re not requiring proof.
Related
