MOLINE, Ill. — The rain came down hard in Moline on Friday, May 24, but the fiesta at Mercado was still on.
Nearly 50 vendors braved the weather to serve up food, desserts and gifts. One of those is Antojitos Mexicanos; this is their second year at Mercado.
"Yeah, it was a great time and we enjoyed it, that's why we decided to come back this year," Oscar Sanchez, the owner's son, said. "We have a lot of people that come in, they've never had a mangonada or something like this, they don't really know what it is until they try it and they enjoy it."
It's not just about old favorites, but new opportunities. Executive Director Frances Williams started in February, and she showed off a new indoor art exhibit for Latino artists in the Quad Cities.
"Il Riconcito del Arte, the Art Corner here at Mercado," Williams said. "Hopefully they'll have the opportunity to sell their pieces here too, just like our vendors out on the street."
For Frances, Mercado is about more than selling food.
"This isn't just about our organization, it's not just about me or anybody on our team, this is about what it means to be Latino or Hispanic in the Quad Cities," Williams said.
And while Sanchez is serving dessert, he brings people just a bit closer.
"I feel like it gives everybody something to do on Friday night, and really unites the community a little bit," Sanchez said.
Williams said 20% of Mercado's vendors are new this year. You can find a list of all vendors here.
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