Free Block Party In The Moline Floreciente Neighborhood Later This Month

(Moline, IL) Project NOW & the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce team up each fall during the month-long Hispanic Heritage Month to host a free block party in the Floreciente neighborhood. This year it is Thursday, September 25^th from 4:00-7:00 pm at The Gathering QC (335 5^th Avenue, Moline). The outdoor event features local vendors, music, kid games, arts & crafts, music, food trucks, and trick or treat.
 
 
The Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic & Latino history and culture, and it runs from September 15th-October 15^th. Jesse Noriega, the Executive Director of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is excited to spend the month talking about the many contributions made to the U.S. which includes advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor our roots, celebrate our culture, and unite as a community for a brighter future.”
 
 
Project NOW’s Head Start Director, Andrea Flannery, says out of the 200 children and families it serves approximately half of them identify as Hispanic. “We value our relationships and partnerships with the Hispanic community in Rock Island County and invite the public to come out and help us celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, together as a unified community. “
 
 
Today, the Latino population in the United States is more than 60 million—according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up almost 19% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group.