Viva Quad Cities, the Hispanic cultural festival that has in recent years been held in Iowa, will return to Moline in September.
The first Viva Quad Cities was at the John Deere Tech Center in Moline in 1993.
For the past four years, the fiesta was at the Isle of Capri in Bettendorf, but recently the Viva Quad Cities board of directors approved the event’s return to Bass Street Landing in Moline.
The organization also holds its Cinco de Mayo event at the same location, this year scheduled for May 3.
The 15th annual Viva Quad Cities is scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6.
Officials said cost considerations were one reason for the move. The Moline venue is cheaper than the Iowa site.
Lori Rodrigues-Fisher, board chairperson, said board members looked at the pros and cons of moving the event.
“We as a board believed it was to the best advantage to move it back to Moline,” Ms. Rodrigues-Fisher said. “It just made more sense to go back to Moline.”
Officials said the money the festival saves can be used elsewhere. Profits from the event help fund scholarships for local students.
“We were looking to saving money,” Ms. Rodrigues-Fisher said. “Whenever we can save money at the fiesta, that means we have more money to give in scholarships.”
Last year, 20 $1,000 scholarships were awarded. People from any culture or background are encouraged to apply. Since the beginning, more than 200 students have received scholarships.
“We do this because we believe in education,” said Ms. Rodrigues-Fisher, “and people we help are in financial need. We want anyone who has financial need to apply for scholarships.”
According to its Web site, www.vivaquadcities.com, Viva Quad Cities Inc. is a nonprofit organization which celebrates Hispanic culture and is dedicated to assisting local students, of all ages and cultures, by providing scholarships through the fiesta and from other fundraising opportunities.
Objectives of the organization include raising money for scholarships for students seeking a higher education, providing educational scholarships based on need and providing educational opportunities to those who otherwise might not have chosen to pursue higher education.
Thousands have attended past events and while the fall fiesta is still in the planning stages, Ms. Rodrigues-Fisher said, “it will be fun.”
“We’re hoping a lot of people will come and enjoy good food and learn about Latino culture.”
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