South West Ideas For Today and Tomorrow

South West Ideas For Today and Tomorrow SWIFTT, Inc. SWIFTT was founded in 1990, when we were incorporated as a 501(c)3, non-profit organization with the State of Illinois.

Southwest Ideas for Today and Tomorrow (SWIFTT) is a non-profit organization supporting southwest Rockford in hopes to elevate the extraordinary talent and opportunity in the region. is a membership based, non-profit economic and community development organization working to attract and retain businesses and services to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in Southwest Rockford

, Illinois. A volunteer board of directors and various committees, comprised of a diverse cross-section of our community, meet regularly to undertake special projects and assist in the economic and social redevelopment and revitalization of this quadrant of our city. In 1996, an office was opened and an Executive Director was hired. Various volunteer boards of directors and committees, comprised of a diverse cross-section of our community have been meeting regularly, undertaking special projects and assisting in the economic and social redevelopment and revitalization of this quadrant of the city since. Our funding is primarily through membership dues from participating businesses and individuals. We've also received limited funding from the City of Rockford Redevelopment Fund. All financial and material contributions are fully tax-deductible.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT SINNISSIPPI PARK SCHEDULE:
06/19/2026

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT SINNISSIPPI PARK SCHEDULE:

HAPPY JUNETEENTH: Today, we honor freedom, reflect on our history, and celebrate progress toward justice and equality.
06/19/2026

HAPPY JUNETEENTH: Today, we honor freedom, reflect on our history, and celebrate progress toward justice and equality.

06/08/2026

SOUTH MAIN MERCADO WAS A BIG HIT! Thousands of people showed up to enjoy Food, Fun, and Great Entertainment. With over 100 Record Breaking Vendors stretched Along South Main St from Loomis to Morgan To the tracks by Kent St. SOUTH MAIN MERCADO 2026 It Keeps Getting Bigger and Better. 2027!👀

06/07/2026

ROCKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY MONTAGUE BRANCH IS ON DECK AT THE SOUTH MAIN MERCADO

GOOD MORNING ROCKFORD! SPEND YOUR DAY AT THE SOUTH MAIN MERCADO South Main Mercado WITH FOOD FUN AND FESTIVITIES. 12:00 ...
06/07/2026

GOOD MORNING ROCKFORD! SPEND YOUR DAY AT THE SOUTH MAIN MERCADO South Main Mercado WITH FOOD FUN AND FESTIVITIES. 12:00 NOON UNTIL 7:00 PM
FREE ADMISSION, FREE PARKING, FREE SHUTTLE BUS FROM MARINELLI FIELD 15TH AVE & EAST SIDE OF THE RIVER

Important!!
06/05/2026

Important!!

REMINDER - Parking Lots between Kent Railroad tracks and Loomis will CLOSE overnight for the event TOMORROW, Saturday, June 6!
They will reopen SUNDAY, June 7, by 9 pm.
Don’t get stuck!
PLEASE SHARE

HOW SWIFTT IS INVOLVEDSWIFTT is one of the four core partner organizations that organizes and produces the South Main Me...
06/02/2026

HOW SWIFTT IS INVOLVED
SWIFTT is one of the four core partner organizations that organizes and produces the South Main Mercado alongside:

Ethnic Heritage Museum
Comprehensive Community Solutions
La Onda

SWIFTT's involvement includes:
>Event planning and coordination
>Community engagement
>Volunteer recruitment
>Neighborhood revitalization efforts
>Supporting small business and vendor participation
>Building partnerships with local organizations and sponsors
>Promoting economic development along South Main corridor

The Mercado has become more than a festival; organizers describe it as an investment in South Rockford's culture, businesses, and future growth. The event has expanded every year and is now one of the city's largest neighborhood-based cultural celebrations.

The South Main Mercado is one of Rockford's largest community and cultural events celebrating Hispanic and Latino herit...
05/31/2026

The South Main Mercado is one of Rockford's largest community and cultural events celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage through food, music, art, small businesses, and community engagement. It has grown significantly since its launch and now attracts thousands of visitors each year.

2026 South Main Mercado
📅 Sunday, June 7, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 South Main Street corridor near Morgan Street in Rockford, Illinois. The event footprint has expanded this year, stretching through a larger section of South Main.

What You'll Find
Local vendors selling jewelry, clothing, artwork, and handmade goods, Food trucks and Latino cuisine, Live music and cultural performances, Family activities, Community organizations offering bilingual services and resources, Opportunities to support local South Rockford businesses

The event is free and family-friendly. Community organizers reported more than 100 vendors in recent years, and the Mercado has become a major driver of cultural celebration and economic activity on Rockford's South Main corridor.

SWIFTT is one of the founding organizations helping make the Mercado happen each year.

EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING AS THE 4TH ANNUAL MERCADO APPROACHES IN SOUTH WEST ROCKFORD.
05/20/2026

EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING AS THE 4TH ANNUAL MERCADO APPROACHES IN SOUTH WEST ROCKFORD.

Address

1005 S. Main Street
Rockford, IL
61101

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+18159653606

Website

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