Niles will be holding its 21st annual Riverfest celebration at Riverfront Park in downtown Niles the first weekend in August.
Although the event is still weeks away, people are encouraged to sign up now for Riverfest events, including the Dragon Boat Race and Anything That Floats Raft Race.
The Dragon Boat Races features two teams of 10 people racing in special dragon boats on the St. Joseph River in Niles. The deadline to register for the race is Friday, Aug. 2. Cost is $300 per team. The race is the morning of Aug. 3. You can register for the Dragon Boat Race online at nilesriverfest.net or by calling Lisa Croteau at (269) 687-4332.
The Anything That Floats Raft Race features teams trying to float their self-made rafts down the St. Joseph River. Some make it, while others do not.  Safety officials will be on hand to assist rafters. The competition is scheduled for the early afternoon Aug. 3. People are encouraged to create their own rafts with a cartoon theme. However, Boy Scout Troop 579 will create rafts for people. The deadline to order a Boy Scout raft is Aug. 2. People bringing their own rafts can sign up no later than 1 p.m. Aug. 3.
To register for the Anything That Floats Raft Race, visit nilesriverfest.net or call Deb Wozniak at (269) 414-9958.
For more information, visit nilesriverfest.net.