Cool Place

Cinco de Mayo Taco & Margarita Festival

East Moline, IL

On May 4th, from noon to dusk, East Moline Main Streets were full of life. This year marked the 2nd annual Taco and Margarita Fest in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.The event had numerous local vendors and live music, which delivered the exciting and high-spirited atmosphere the Quad Cities community relies on.

Brick-and-mortar businesses have greatly profited from the celebration; even if there were little sales, the exposure the small businesses received from the community will benefit them in the future.

In an interview with the event coordinators, Graciela Macias and Patricia Hansen, they alluded to their overall satisfaction with the turnout of the celebration. Macias said, "I'm still taking it all in; the most impactful part for me was seeing the long lines and smiles on everyone, even those working, such as the Moline Police Department. The music was engaging everyone, and people really came out to have a good time." The event marked a symbolic message to those in attendance; the community came together in joy and celebrated with those they loved.

These precious moments and memories are what Macias and Hansen intended to create for the people who call the Quad Cities home. Hansen provided insight into their future plans for the community: "The diversification in our area is so unique; in hopes of engaging the diversity within our city, we would like to host a multicultural event aimed for early September. We want to make sure that everyone's culture is represented and that all the boxes are checked in terms of experiencing everything life has to offer." In high spirits, the coordinators explained that they will never stop trying to better the lives of people within the community, and it is that purpose that funds their drive to host events that truly allow for the growth and development of the Quad Cities.

For more information to support our community allies or to be updated on event information please visit www.emmainstreet.org