Daily Dispatch - September 18, 1993.
Daily Dispatch - September 18, 1993.
VIVA Quad Cities Fiesta was created in 1993 by the efforts of the City of Moline, Paul Stewart(Moline Second Ward Alderman), Mayor Stan Leach, Alderman Barb Sandberg, Teresa Camarillo, Florencio Mier, Western Illinois University - Hipsanic Program, and others.
The first FIESTA was held at the John Deere Tech Center, Moline. The mission of the Fiesta focused on the importance of education. A Hispanic Essay Contest was created to have Hispanic students write "What Means to be Hispanic". Paola Morales won the contest. The initial FIESTA's proceeds were to be used for scholarships for Hispanic students in the community. A program booklet was created to raise funds for the event. Community businesses were invited to donate for the event and also were invited to advertise in the initial program. Also, a race was held before the FIESTA began. The first event ran from noon to midnight. The Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico, Mariache Guadalajara and Mexican Bands entertained the public. Local performers represented the countries of Mexico, Spain, Ecuador, Chile, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Peru. Stands were decorated and prizes were given to the best decorated stand. Admission was $2 for adults and children free.
The all day FIESTA demonstrated the growing diversity and vitality of the Hispanic community in the Quad-Cities. Food booths, arts and crafts, live entertainment were the highlight of the all day event. Families came to spend all day to enjoy a full day of entertainment.
1994 $3,500 |
2000 $9,000 |
| 1995 $7,000 |
2001 $17,000 |
1996 $7,000 |
2002 $20,000 |
1997 $8,000 |
2003 $20,000 |
1998 $7,000 |
2004 $15,000 |
1999 $9,000 |
2005 $23,000 |
2006 $18,000 |
|
Since 1993 the FIESTA event has been held in three different locations in Moline: The John Deere Tech Center, Downtown Moline and John Deere Commons. This year, Viva Quad Cities will be held at the Isle of Capri Property in Bettendorf on Firday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8, 2007.
Many people from the community have volunteered and participated as volunteers and committee members to bring this exciting event together.
For a promotional brochure please click
here.
