Mercado on Fifth (MoF) Night Market Informational Guide for Guests
This Information Guide is designed to assist our guests in planning their visit to Mercado on Fifth’s weekly night market by presenting information about MoF rules, permitted items, parking and other info to maximize your experience at Mercado. The information is presented in alphabetical order for your ease of use.
All Patrons are subject to the rules of MoF and the applicable rules and regulations of the City of Moline, Illinois and Rock Island County, Illinois. Violators of these rules, regulations or any applicable laws may be refused admission or asked to leave and could be subject to additional legal action.
Mercado on Fifth Patron Health Promise
Patrons acknowledge and understand that, if infected with COVID-19 or other Communicable Disease (as defined at the conclusion of this paragraph), Patrons and/or any accompanying parties may infect others that they may subsequently come in contact with, even if they are not experiencing or displaying any symptoms of illness, and that the risk of exposure to others remains at all times. Accordingly, Patrons agree that neither Patron nor any accompanying party will attend the night market if, on the date of the night market, they are required or recommended by Health and Safety Rules to stay home, quarantine, and/or isolate (e.g., as a result of testing positive for, experiencing symptoms of, or being in direct contact with someone who tested positive of COVID-19 or other Communicable Disease). A “Communicable Disease” as used herein is COVID-19, any strains, variants, or mutations thereof, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and/or any other airborne, aerosolized, or surface transmissible communicable and/or infectious diseases, viruses, bacteria or illnesses or the causes thereof.
Alcoholic Beverages
No alcoholic beverages may be brought through the gates of MoF. Illinois law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Patrons who appear younger than 40 will be required to show proper identification with proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages at MoF night markets. Sale of beer and alcohol at MoF indoor bar or outdoor tents are not permitted after 9:30pm, (both may be cut off earlier at the discretion of the MoF). Guests may not be in possession of more than two alcoholic beverages at any time. Guests may not take any alcoholic beverages out of the fenced area.
Automated Teller Machines
There is one (1) locations where an ATM can be found at Mercado on Fifth. The location is inside our beautiful building just inside the South Side double doors to the right as you enter. The ATM is closest to the bar area in the building and is provided to Mercado by IHMVCU.
Bag Policy
MoF regulations allow only soft-sided, single-pocket bags and containers 16”x 16”x 8” or smaller to be permitted in the Mercado grounds. All permitted bags are subject to search both upon entry and within the Mercado grounds (see Searches). MoF regulations also prohibit Guests from bringing certain items into MoF. See Restrictions for a list of prohibited and permitted items. Backpacks or other similar multi-pocket bags are prohibited.
Baby Diaper Changing Station
Located in Women’s restrooms in the Mercado building. See on-site attendant for admittance.
Bottles and Containers
No one is permitted to enter MoF with glass bottles or containers. Guests in possession of these items inside the gates of MoF may be subject to ejection from the Mercado grounds.
Bus Service
Go green, save yourself the parking hassle and take the bus! Centre Station in Moline is only a 6 minute (2.5 block) walk from Mercado. MetroLINK offers bus service throughout the Metro Quad Cities. To obtain a bus schedule and route information, please contact MetroLINK at (309) 788-3360 or visit metroqc.com.
Chewing Tobacco
Guests may chew tobacco in any area of the Mercado grounds. All Guests must spit into a cup at all times and dispose of the waste in a trash container.
Clothing
Guests are prohibited from wearing or displaying profane or offensive materials. This includes, but is not limited to, clothing, tattoos, body art or anything displayed on a Guest’s body that is deemed profane or offensive by management. A Guest may be asked to remove, reverse, cover or add clothing so the image or wording is no longer visible.
Corporate Sponsorships
For information on Mercado on Fifth Corporate Sponsorships, please call (563) 499-4008 or email mercadoonfifth@gmail.com.
Disabled Drop-Off
The disabled drop-off area is located near the northwest corner of the Mercado building and gate entrance closest to the Community Health Care parking lot. There is a ramp on the west side of the building off the Mercado alley for easy access to the Mercado building and grounds.
Disabled Parking
See Parking for information.
Electronic Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes, vaporizers and other similar devices are prohibited from use in all areas of the Mercado night market.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency at Mercado grounds, please follow the directions from staff, security, and Moline Police and Fire Officers. If an emergency requires evacuation from the Mercado grounds, directions will be given over the Mercado speaker system. Please contact a member of staff if you have any questions.
Employment
Mercado grounds partners hire enthusiastic and outgoing people who are interested in sharing the excitement of Mercado grounds. Job postings will typically be listed both on Indeed.com job board as well as on Mercado social media channels. Please call (563) 499-4008 during normal business hours or submit your cover letter and resume to mercadoonfifth@gmail.com if interested in joining our diverse and dynamic team.
Entering Mercado
For your safety, we require that all Guests and Employees that enter Mercado grounds be searched for prohibited items (see Restrictions and Searches). This may include an inspection of any jackets, coats, packages, bags, purses and other containers brought to any of the entry gates. (Guests and Employees are also subject to metal detection screening.) All minors (age 17 or younger) must be accompanied by an adult. Guests 13 years or younger and those age 65 or older will be allowed entry for free. There will also be free entry every Friday between 5pm and 6pm. Re-entry after 6pm may be subject to charge.
Exiting Mercado
Following the night market, Guests are asked to exit Mercado grounds through designated exits (same as entry gates). During night markets or Mercado events, Guests are permitted to leave the grounds and return, however, Guests will be subject to additional search and screening. If a Guest leaves and wishes to return, they will be stamped with an official Mercado stamp on their left hand for re-entry. See [Guest Map] for a list of Mercado grounds gate locations.
Firearms and Weapons
No firearms or other weapons are allowed anywhere on Mercado on Fifth night market premises including the children’s activity area hosted by the Boys & Girls Club.
First Aid Station
A First Aid Station will be located behind the bar in the inside of the Mercado building. Guests in need of aspirin, band-aids, etc. must visit the First Aid Station to obtain these items in person. If medical attention is required, notify the nearest Mercado staff member.
Use of Likeness
Each Guest is admitted to Mercado grounds on the condition, and by entrance to Mercado grounds the Guest agrees, that: (a) MoF is the exclusive owner of all copyrights and other proprietary rights in all night markets held at Mercado grounds and related Information; and (c) MoF and each of their respective agents and licensees, shall have the unrestricted right and license to use his or her image, likenesses, name, voice, comments or other proprietary or public rights and that of any minor accompanying Guest in any broadcast, telecast or photograph and/or video and/or audio sound recording taken in connection with the night market or other transmission or reproduction in whole or in part of the night market, for all purposes, without consent or compensation.
Gates Open
Guests are encouraged to come early and purchase food and beverage, listen to DJ music and watch any/all pre-market ceremonies. The entrance gate located on the northwest alley adjacent to the building and closest to the Community Health Care parking lot will provide free access from 5:00pm to 6:00pm for Guests who want to grab food and/or drink, stay a bit and then go before larger groups arrive to Mercado.
Guest Awareness
If you See Something, Say Something. The MoF staff are committed to providing a safe environment for all of our Guests. We ask that if any Guest is aware of any potentially unsafe situation, to please notify the nearest Mercado staff or security team member. Your eyes and ears can help keep Mercado grounds a safe family environment.
Guest Code of Conduct
By attending in the Mercado on Fifth Summer Night Market, all guests upon entrance agree to:
Demonstrate respect for people of all genders, races, ages, ethnicities, and abilities
Treat each other, Mercado staff, security, volunteers and vendors with courtesy, patience and honesty
Not act in a manner that is rough, menacing, vulgar, profane or abusive, including making anyone uncomfortable to be within the Mercado market space
Assist fellow community members whenever possible
Notify the nearest Mercado staff member immediately of any unsafe conditions and conflicts
Resolve conflicts with respect and kindness
Practice safe behaviors at all times, including while driving on and off site
The Mercado market staff reserves the right to immediately remove any Guest, temporarily or permanently, who violates this code of conduct.
House Rules
The team at Mercado on Fifth are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable night market experience. Our staff will proactively intervene to ensure the following:
Obscene or indecent clothing will not detract from the guest experience.
Guests will enjoy the night market free from obscene gestures and foul or derogatory language (defined as offensive language concerning another person’s race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or national origin).
Guests will refrain from directing any foul or derogatory language or behavior concerning the Mercado organization, event, operations or live entertainment at Mercado Board, staff, managers, security
Guests will refrain from displays of affection not appropriate in a public, family setting.
Impaired or intoxicated Guests will be assisted in a prompt, respectful and safe manner.
Smoking or vaping is not permitted.
Loitering
Loitering in and around the Mercado night market area in downtown Moline is highly discouraged. Please be respectful of any and all Mercado neighbors.
Lost and Found
Mercado on Fifth and its staff cannot be responsible for recovery, storage, safekeeping, preservation or return of any lost or found item at Mercado grounds. With that understanding, any item that has been lost or found during a game should be reported to the bar staff. Found items are kept in storage after each night market; therefore, if an item was lost at a previous night market, it will not be obtainable without prior arrangements. Please call the Mercado office at (563) 499-4008 to report a lost item. Leave a detailed description of the item, the date and location it was lost, and your name and phone number. If your item was turned in, you will be called as soon as possible. If your item was not turned in, you will not receive a call unless you specifically requested one. Your name will remain on file in case the item is turned in at a later time. A simple way to protect your property is to place your name and phone number permanently somewhere on the item. Items are held for 30 days.
Lost Children
Every child should be told to contact a Mercado staff member should he or she become lost. A lost child will be taken to the bar inside the Mercado building, so lost parents should follow the same procedure. Parents are encouraged to place their contact info in children’s pockets in case of separation.
Marijuana
Please be aware of the law about marijuana use in Moline and Mercado grounds. It is illegal to consume marijuana in public. Possession of, smoking, vaping, ingesting or otherwise consuming marijuana is prohibited in all areas of Mercado grounds, including the designated smoking areas.
Merchandise
See Souvenirs.
Nursing Mothers
Nursing mothers who desire a more private area may go to the handicapped stall inside the Women’s restroom. Mercado will provide a chair in that area for a more comfortable nursing experience.
Off-Site Parking
Downtown Moline offers a variety of parking options within a 15 minute walk of the Mercado grounds. Free public parking is available in all City owned lots after 5:00pm and during the weekend. Please visit this online parking map provided by the City of Moline for more specific parking information. Vehicles may not be parked for longer than 48 hours on City streets. Call Non-Emergency Police at 309.797.0401 to report. If you don’t want the hassle of finding parking and then walking, the Mercado staff highly encourage you to consider taking public transportation provided by MetroLINK. To obtain a bus schedule and route information, please contact MetroLINK at (309) 788-3360 or visit metroqc.com.
Permitted Items
See Restrictions.
Picnic Areas
There are three picnic areas at Mercado grounds available for guests to sit and enjoy their meals. We ask that once you have finished eating, please leave the picnic area to allow other Guests the same opportunity to sit and eat.
Playground
The children’s playground area is located on the grounds of the Boys & Girls Club on the south side of 5th Avenue across from the Mercado building and grassy area. A parent or guardian must always accompany and monitor their child while in this area. No alcohol is permitted within the children’s playground area.
Private Parties – Non-night market days
Private parties, meetings, receptions or special-themed events may be booked at the Mercado grounds and building on non-night market days throughout the year. Most areas of the Mercado grounds are available for rental, including the building, outdoor patio, alleyway and grassy area. For information, please call (563) 499-4008 or go online to www.mercadoonfifth.org/venuerentals.
Prohibited Items
See Restrictions.
Rain Policy
If a night market is rained out, Guests should visit Mercado’s social media channels for additional details on rescheduled dates.
Ramps
There are two access ramps located on the east and west sides of the Mercado building. The east ramp can be accessed from the southeast corner of the outdoor patio area. The west ramp can be accessed from the west side alley on the northwest corner of the Mercado building.
Recycling
The MoF community of staff and vendors are working hard to care for the environment, doing our part to help keep Illinois green and clean. In a typical year, MoF recycles many used materials leftover from Mercado activities, programs and events. We encourage our guests to recycle their aluminum cans in the appropriate bins located throughout the grounds.
Restrictions
The following list is a guide only. It is not intended to be all inclusive.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or marijuana (medical or otherwise) in any form
Glass bottles or glass containers of any kind
Animals (except trained service dogs for Guests with disabilities)
Backpacks or other multi-pocket bags larger than 16”x 16”x 8”
Beach balls, balloons and other inflatables
Bikes or scooters inside of Mercado grounds
Bota bags or wine skin
Bullhorns or noise makers
Confetti, soap bubbles
Drones (unmanned aerial vehicles)
Firearms or other weapons
Fireworks
Fishing nets, poles or ball retrieval devices
Food or beverages from outside vendors
Frisbees
Hard-sided briefcases, regardless of size
Hard-sided or soft-sided coolers and containers, regardless of size
Hoverboards
Insulated coolers, cups and thermoses larger than 22 oz.
Knives of any size or shape
Non-alcoholic beer or similar items
Laser pointers
Any outside food or beverage. Please be reminded that you are here to support our small business vendors and the Mercado on Fifth nonprofit organization.
Skateboards, rollerblades or shoes with wheels (Heelys)
Soft-sided bags and containers larger than 16”x 16”x 8”
Sporting equipment to include soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs, etc.
Squirt guns or super soakers
Sticks or clubs (including signs attached to sticks)
Stools or chairs other than foldable camping chairs
PERMITTED ITEMS
Camel packs which are empty
Helmets, motorcycle or bicycle
Insulated cups or thermoses 22 ozs. or smaller that are empty
Plastic baby bottles
Packable, foldable camping chairs that do not have any permanently attached umbrellas or other items that would add height and block the enjoyment of live entertainment
Soft-sided, single-pocket bags or containers 16”x 16”x 8” or smaller
Still and video cameras (see Cameras)
Strollers - that fold or collapse
Umbrellas during the threat of inclement weather. In consideration of the safety and sight lines of others, please use only small, compact umbrellas (28” to 34” span). Large golf umbrellas and umbrellas with metal tips are not allowed.
Restrooms
Most restrooms at Mercado grounds available for Guests are outdoor port-a-potties with outdoor hand washing stations. There are also port-a-potties available for members of the community with disabilities. To access the diaper changing station inside the Mercado building, please see the attendant outside the west side building doors.
Safety and Security
Guests who would like to discreetly notify our Mercado staff of guest safety or security issues (e.g. security needed, broken/damaged items, medical issue, etc.) may do so by personally approaching any Mercado staff member.
Homeland Security Begins with Hometown Security. If you see something suspicious taking place, then report that behavior or activity to local law enforcement, or in the case of emergency, call 9-1-1. Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. For that reason, the public should report only suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack in a public place or someone trying to break into a restricted area) rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech unrelated to terrorism or other criminal activity.
The nationwide “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper local law enforcement authorities.
Service Animals
Animals are not permitted within Mercado grounds with the exception of trained and certified service animals for Guests with disabilities. The ADA defines a service animal as a dog or miniature horse individually trained to perform a specific task or service for a person with a disability.
Social Media
Follow #MercadoOnFifth on social media to stay connected with us 24/7/365! We are active on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In, each offering updates, unique behind-the-scenes content, entertainment updates, contests, giveaways and more. Follow MoF on each of the platforms listed above. For questions regarding MoF social media, email mercadoonfifth@gmail.com. Fan & community hashtags include #MercadoOnFifth, #FridaysAtMercado #JuntosSomosMercado. Follow MoF on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mercadoonfifth. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mercadoonfifth/.
Souvenirs
Visit the Mercado merchandise cart on our outdoor patio during the summer or at the bar indoors during the offseason. Mercado merchandise directly supports the operations of our nonprofit organization and can make great gifts. You will be able to choose from t-shirts, hoodies, bucket hats, baseball caps, canvas totes and other items that show your support.
Strollers & Mobility Devices
Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices are allowed in Mercado grounds, however these items may not be left unattended. All unattended items will be picked up and moved to Lost & Found. MoF is not responsible for lost, damaged, stolen or misplaced items.
Tailgating
Tailgating is not permitted in any MoF operated parking lot. Persons may not consume alcohol in the parking lots, including inside their vehicles. Loitering in or around Mercado grounds including any/all City of Moline public parking lots, neighboring residential or commercial property parking is highly discouraged. Please be considerate and courteous of Mercado property and those of the City of Moline and our accommodating neighbors.
Water Filling Station
Guests may refill water bottles and cups inside the Mercado building at the water fountain area located just outside the Men’s Restroom.
Weather
In the event of inclement or potentially dangerous weather, Guests may be asked to seek shelter. Please follow the direction of Mercado Staff and public address announcements to the nearest shelter area. Shelter areas include stairwells, restrooms and other enclosed areas within the Mercado building or other nearby shelters.
Website
The MoF’ official website, MercadoOnFifth.org, features information about our programming, ways you can support our nonprofit, who sits on our Board, venue rental information, our social media activity and more. We’re so glad you are visiting our Plan Your Visit page to make the most of your Mercado experience!