Entertainment / Family Fun

Viva Quad-Cities returns to Moline for annual event

By David Burke | Friday, September 05, 2008 | () comments

In its 15th year, Viva Quad-Cities is returning to Moline for its fiesta celebration.

“We came home, if you will,” said Luis Puentes, president of the executive committee for the festival.

The festival had previously had been on John Deere Commons, then alternated sides of the river with Iowa, where it was held at the Isle of Capri conference center in Bettendorf.

This year’s festival will be Friday and Saturday at Bass Street Landing at 17th Street and River Drive.

The entertainment this year includes the return of Los Mocambos and a performance by DJ Estrella.

For the first time, there also will be Mexican karaoke, he said.

Having a variety of entertainment from a number of cultures is important for the festival, Puentes said.

“We’re showing our diversity,” he said. “Everybody thinks of a Mexican or Hispanic event and they just think of Guadalajara and those type of things. We’re trying to bring in the cultures that are all a part of Hispanic culture.”

A variety of food vendors and informational and commercial booths will be at Bass Street Landing.

Money raised from Viva Quad-Cities goes to scholarships for Hispanic students in the area.

Puentes, a Moline firefighter, said the festival should be equally important to Hispanics and non-Hispanics as a celebration of the culture.

“I want us to be a festival that attracts all people,” he said. “We use it as an educational tool, where people can see and feel and taste Hispanic culture.

“I like to think we market to everybody.”

David Burke can be contacted at (563) 383-2400 or dburke@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.

IF YOU GO

What: Viva Quad-Cities

When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, and 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6

Where: Bass Street Landing, 17th Street and River Drive, Moline

How much: $5; free for ages 12 years and younger

Information: VivaQuadCities.com