South Main Mercado

Last night, members of South Main Mercado came together in Batavia to receive Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton's Award for Revitalization – Promotion Approach with Illinois Main Street. This award is a proclamation to all that South Main Mercado only illuminates what has always been true: Southwest Rockford is a vibrant, wonderful, and willing community. South Main Mercado is a beautiful idea brought to life by a beautiful team. In the beginning, we came together to try to create a street festival to celebrate Latino culture. It became immediately clear to us that this event meant so much more. We became not only event organizers, but grassroot community organizers for a movement that is bubbling and ready to act in southwest Rockford. We began to collect and share the voices of many neighbors and business owners. We were spearheading a project to usher in much wanted, needed, and deserved attention to the region. In 2024, during the Mercado’s second year, the event’s impact and intent crystallized when we grew from 400 guests to over 5,000. Eyes were on the corridor as we shut down a state road and filled it with music, dancing, and nearly 100 vendors, most of whom were Latino entrepreneurs, and many of whom sold for the first time. The Mercado crew is far from finished with their work, and we can’t wait to be a part of what is to come for southwest Rockford. Thank you to Ethnic Heritage Museum and Comprehensive Community Solutions, our supporting organizations; to Hard Rock Casino Rockford, our Padrinos and presenting sponsor for 2024; to the City of Rockford Illinois, GoRockford and Alderwoman Gabrielle Torina; and most of all, thank you to this beautiful team. Invest Southwest. ?Viva! #Investsouthwest #rockfordil #Illinois

?Hola! Follow our new main page La Onda. The organization will take over LinkedIn messaging for this page over the next few months.

"The tremendous turnout and positive feedback underscore the importance of such events in fostering community spirit and challenging expectations. We look forward to continuing this journey with you all and to build on this year’s achievements to create even more impactful and memorable experiences in the years to come." https://lnkd.in/g3ek-VCe

****SOUTH MAIN WILL CLOSE AT CEDAR AT 9 AM UNTIL 9 PM********* TOMORROW, SUNDAY, 6/9 FOR ?? South Main Mercado 2024 ?? Parking and detour information below! **** SOUTH MAIN CERRARá EN CEDAR DE 9 A. M. A 9 P. M. ********** MA?ANA, DOMINGO, 6/9, PARA EL South Main Mercado ?Información de estacionamiento y desvíos a continuación!

?? Buenos Días ?? Más, ?por favor! https://lnkd.in/gu6wamus

Planning to come down to South Main Mercado 2024? We can't wait to see you! Prepare for your trip with our chair's favorite document -- Know Before You Go. Hasta DOMINGO! ??

We are entering the final week of South Main Mercado prep. I’m grateful for the team for bringing this vision to life. This event is made with so much love, and we hope that you feel that’s joy and excitement. See you Sunday!

Twenty days to go!

Gracias to Rep. Maurice A. West II! Nos vemos el 9 de junio! #southwestrockford #southmain #southmainparatodos

Thank you, Rock River Current! We’re shutting down the street ???????? https://lnkd.in/gWeZFqgE