The Viva Quad Cities Cinco de Mayo Fiesta returns with some new changes in the festival and the organization. This year’s event will be at the Bass Street Landing, 1602 River Drive in Moline.
Hero Street Memorial, Viva Paisanos San Nicolas, Hero Street Memorial Park and the Mexican American Veterans Association (MAVA) will be some of the food vendors. Banda La Unica Jerez La Mera Mera from Chicago (For more information on the band visit www.launicadejerez.com) will be the major act and YoYo the clown will start of the event at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
President of Viva Quad Cities, Luis Puentes said that though the September Viva Quad Cities Fiesta is the big event, he still expects about 1,000 to 1,500 people this year. “It’s the starting point to bring other Latin American organizations together. Organizations like Hero Street Memorial and Casa Guanajuato have a chance to make money for charities.”
The money that Viva Quad Cities makes is given to college students for scholarships. Puentes is encouraging the readers and their families to apply “the sooner, the better.” The application is now available online at www.vivaquadcities.com.
“Every little bit helps out. Those recipients that remember Viva give back to Viva. My daughter started out at St. Ambrose and is now a teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bettendorf. I encourage all parents to encourage their children to fill out applications. I was happy that Viva was established for needy students, It’s very rewarding to see students pursue higher education,” Puentes said.
Cinco de Mayo means for Luis Puentes, the Battle of Puebla in which Mexico beat the French. “They stood shoulder to shoulder fighting the Mexican army and they did with smaller numbers. It shows the fortitude and strength of our people,” he said.
The organization itself this year had for the first time a “black tie event” Havana Nights fundraiser, which Puentes said was very well attended for its first year. The September festival, Viva Quad Cities is also coming back to Moline after a couple of years in Iowa. It will also be at the Bass Street Landing.
This is also Puentes’ last year as Viva president, Charles “Chuck” Cervantes is president-elect. “My hope is as outgoing president that we get a good number of appearances, people for Viva Quad Cities. I welcome all your readers who have never come to our events to come and visit. There’ll be great music, food at the Cinco de Mayo festival,” he said.
Cinco de Mayo Program
MC’s: Luís Lara y Yesenia “La Risueña” de KALA Radio
2:00 – 2:30 pm: El Payaso YOYO
3:00 – 3:15: DJ Camaney
3:15 – 4:15: Mariachi Nacional
4:15 – 4:30: DJ Camaney
4:30 – 5:30: El Quad Cities Ballet Folklórico
5:30 – 6:30: Mariachi Nacional
6:30 – 6:45: DJ Camaney
6:45 – 7:45: Banda La Única Jerez La Mera Mera de Jerez
7:45 – 8:00: DJ Camaney
8:00 – 9:00: Banda La Única Jerez La Mera Mera de Jerez
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