Moline’s Floreciente Neighborhood will play host to the ultimate food tasting showdown at the Second Annual Taste of Mercado from 5-7 p.m. this Friday, July 18, at Mercado on Fifth.
Sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, the event which was first launched in 2024 will again offer attendees the chance to sample dishes from 18 food vendors, cast their votes for their favorites as well as enter to win fantastic prizes — including a television giveaway – and all at cost of $10 per foodie.
The aim of the vibrant culinary competition — known in Spanish as El Sabor del Mercado — is to highlight Mercado’s mission to uplift small businesses and celebrate Latin American culture.
Participating vendors will compete for prizes and bragging rights, while also receiving a portion of the tasting fees to support their growing businesses.
Here’s how it works:
- Guests pay $10, which includes $5 Mercado entrance fee plus a $5 tasting menu fee.
- Each guest receives a voting card and visits all 18 food vendors for samples.
- Once tastings are complete, guests scan a QR code to vote for their favorites.
- Voters also are entered to win prizes for the whole family — and one lucky guest will take home a TV.
From tacos and burritos to guisados and Venezuelan treats, the Taste of Mercado offers a culinary tour of Latin America. Guests also will enjoy artisanal goods including handmade jewelry, custom tumblers, toys, and imported gifts — a perfect blend of flavors and craftsmanship that defines Mercado on Fifth.
Bring your appetite and your dancing shoes — the evening continues with cumbia music by Julio Cortez until 10 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Friday night lineup
The schedule for El Sabor del Mercado includes:
- 5-7 p.m. – Tasting and voting.
- 7:30 p.m. – Winners announced on the main stage.
- Until 10 p.m. – Dance and listen to live music by Julio Cortez and visit the night market.
2025 Competitors
Taste of Mercado vendors and the categories in which they are competing include: Aguas Frescas Camila – Drink; California Burritos, Entrée; Los Crazy Snax, Snacks/Dessert/Drink.
El Dulce Helado, Snack/Dessert; Las Delicias Food & Desserts LLC, Snack/Dessert; Las Salsas Dona Mary, Entrée/Salsa; Megusta, Entrée/ Snack/Dessert/Salsa; Mendoza Street Dogs, Entrée; Mexie’s Food Truck, Entrée; Mi Oaxaca, Entrée/Salsa.
Miguel’s Street Tacos, Entrée; Oasis de Sabores, Drink; QC Venezuelan Food, Salsa/Snack/Dessert; Quesa-broso, Entrée/Salsa/Drink; Sabor Catracho, Drink/Snack/Dessert; The Backyard Restaurant, Salsa/Entrée; Tongue Teezers Freeze Dried Treats, Snack/Dessert; and Xochimilko, Snack/Dessert.
About Mercado
Mercado on Fifth fosters economic opportunity and cultural preservation by providing a platform for Hispanic entrepreneurs, artists, and small businesses in the Quad Cities.
Through its open-air markets, seasonal celebrations, and year-round business development programs, Mercado empowers minority entrepreneurs with capital access, bilingual training, and cultural visibility.
Since its founding, Mercado has supported more than 65 businesses, offered paid opportunities to cultural practitioners, and created a space where tradition and innovation thrive together.
Stay updated on this event and more by visiting www.MercadoOnFifth.org or follow the small business incubator and Friday night summer market on Facebook.
