Unofficial start of summer in the QC kicks off Friday, May 24, 2024
Mercado on Fifth has announced the vendor lineup for the 2024 summer season, which is scheduled to kick off on Memorial Day weekend. The cultural night market located on 5th Avenue, Moline will take place from 5 to 10 pm every Friday evening May 24 - September 27, 2024.
Due to the volume of vendor applications as well as event area capacity, this year’s vendor selection process incorporated a decision matrix in which applicants were evaluated on 21 different factors, including uniqueness of products offered, booth presentation and business growth indicators.
As a result of the curation, this year’s vendors are more diverse and poised to create one of the best cultural experiences in our region. Food offerings will include Venezuelan empanadas, Honduran pupusas and traditional Oaxacan tamales, while artisanal products being sold include items made by hand as well as gifts imported from other countries. Many of the participating businesses are still in a startup phase.
"Mercado on Fifth was created to be an entrepreneurial laboratory and Latino cultural hub. Vendors come to start and test their business ideas on our streets - and do that in a safe environment that echoes the markets many find in their own birth communities,” said Frances Williams, the new executive director of Mercado on Fifth.
Participating food vendors include:
Mi Oaxaca
Tacos Al Vapor
Mexies
Restaurante El Mariachi
Raulito's
Carolina Cook-Out
Mozbites
Coffee Oasis
Miguel's Street Tacos
Las Delicias Snacks & Desserts
Xochimilko
Las Salsas Dona Mary
Sabor Catracho
Creative Signature Cuisine
Las Venezolanas
Arely's
Mia's Lemonade
Antojitos Mexicanos
Coya's Cafe
Megusta
Mi Chelita
Aguas Frescas Camila
Dulzura Cakery & Studio
Participating retail vendors include:
Urbinas Creations
Frio Sauce
Mundo de Caramelo
Amore Creations
Atlas Collective
Ladybug's Closet
2Brothers Dog Biscuit
Peanut Blossom Design
Discounted Tools & More
G's Gourmet Popcorn
Alex's Toy Shop
El Encanto Bazaar
La Luz
SnoConeYas
Tongue Teazers Freeze Dried Treats
Adolfo's Imports
Yaya's Boutique
Rosarios QC
Mundo de Belleza
Artesanias Gaby
Joel’s Shoe Shine
El Sol Entertainment
Ballonatix
Los Dos Grandes Western Wear
“It's contagious excitement among our vendors, especially those that are new and launching for the first time. They have some really exciting business ideas that are going to be so wonderful to watch unfold. We’re hard at work getting them registered and ready to sell, sell, sell this summer!” Williams said.
Mercado on Fifth is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves as a resource and catalyst for minority entrepreneurs. The organization works with both English and Spanish-speaking minority entrepreneurs to help start, test, launch and grow their businesses, and has helped to start and provide a platform for over 60 new businesses since Mercado’s inception in 2016.
“Our greatest satisfaction is in seeing these businesses start, test and then go off to expand their business to new levels. We also take pride in attracting members of all parts of our community to enjoy the beautiful tapestry of our shared Hispanic culture,” said Williams.
With the financial support of community partners like John Deere who will be sponsoring opening day, the 2024 Mercado on Fifth season is set to be one of the greatest for the organization. The entertainment lineup will include a broad range of Latin genres, including Rock en español, salsa and crowd favorite: banda music.
Stay tuned for updates, including the musical lineup, on the Mercado on Fifth website at www.MercadoOnFifth.org, its social media channels, as well as posted event calendars throughout the area.
