Third Annual Taste of Mercado Contest is Friday in Moline
Get ready to sample some of the best local flavors in the Quad Cities as Mercado on Fifth hosts its third-annual El Sabor del Mercado (Taste of Mercado) competition this Friday, July 17, during the weekly Mercado night market, on Moline’s Fifth Avenue west of 12th Street.
Presented by Modern Woodmen of America, Taste of Mercado is one of the summer’s favorite traditions, inviting guests to taste their way through Mercado’s outstanding food vendors while supporting locally owned small businesses.
Guests ages 13 and older can purchase a voting card for an additional $5 at any entry gate that includes one sample from each participating food vendor. After visiting every competitor and marking off their card from each booth, attendees will receive a QR Code to cast their votes online for:
- Best Salsa
- Best Entrée
- Best Beverage
- Best Side/Snack
- El Sabor del Mercado (Overall People’s Choice Winner)
The voting process is outlined on Mercado’s official bilingual voting card for the event.
Meet the 2026 Taste of Mercado Competitors
Mercado on Fifth is proud to showcase these incredible local entrepreneurs. They encourage everyone to follow their businesses online and continue supporting them throughout the year.
Business Follow Online
- Las Salsas Doña Mary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BMmw6t9xH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- The Back-Yard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GijgStQ5V/
- Xochimilko Facebook: @Xochimilko
- Los Crazy Snax LLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KPPPV6XqX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Oasis de Sabores Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Oasis-de-Sabores-61573063389503/
- Quesa-Broso Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BE3Yt86oF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Mendoza Street Dogs Facebook: Mendoza Street Dogs
- Mi Oaxaca Facebook: Mi Oaxaca
- Miguel’s Street Tacos Facebook: Miguel’s Street Tacos
- Facebook: The Main Squeeze Trailer
- Luna Kitchen Website: lunaexperiment.com
- Abarrotes Carrillo LLC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abarrotescarrillo
- FRiO Sauce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friosauce
- Aguas Frescas Camila Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075930036582
- Tongue Teazers Freeze Dried Treats Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553774019783
- Sister Sweets QC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sistersweetsqc
- Taquizas Los Jarochos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093208655358
Sample Your Way Through Mercado
This year’s competitors represent an incredible variety of cuisines and culinary traditions, including:
- Authentic Mexican street tacos
- Homemade birria
- Latino/Filipino-inspired fusion cuisine
- Bacon-wrapped street dogs
- Fresh aguas frescas
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade
- Churros
- Mini pancakes
- Gourmet snacks
- Mexican street corn
- Energy drinks and coffee
- Freeze-dried treats
- Homemade salsas
- Fresh desserts
- And much more!
Whether you’re craving savory, sweet, spicy, or refreshing, Taste of Mercado offers something for everyone.
Every Vote Supports Small Business
Taste of Mercado is more than a friendly competition—it’s a celebration of entrepreneurship. Each participating vendor represents a local entrepreneur who has invested countless hours building their business, perfecting recipes, and sharing their culture with the Quad Cities community.
“One of Mercado on Fifth’s greatest strengths is helping entrepreneurs build loyal customers,” said Frances Williams, executive director of Mercado on Fifth. “Taste of Mercado gives thousands of visitors the opportunity to discover new favorite businesses, and every vote helps shine a spotlight on these incredible local entrepreneurs.”
For more information on Mercado, click HERE.
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