Niles’ largest private employer and manufacturing company, Modineer, is backing the Four Flags Area Apple Festival with a financial donation.

Pat Teeter, Apple Festival board member, said Modineer contributed $2,500 to the festival, which runs Sept. 26-29 in Niles.

“We were all very happy and thankful to have sponsorship from such a large company and a big and growing one here in Niles,” said Teeter.

Dallas Dreher, Modineer human resources coordinator, said Modineer decided to donate to the festival after learning the city would not contribute $2,500 to the festival.

“The Apple Festival represents the Niles community and is something the Niles community looks forward to every year and something that brings the community together,” Dreher said. “We truly believe in supporting Niles and this is one of the ways we can do that.”

Teeter said Modineer’s donation would likely be used for advertising the festival.

“We have sufficient funds to make it a good festival this year again,” Teeter said.

Dreher said Modineer has supported the Apple Festival in the past.

The Niles City Council voted earlier this month to not provide $2,500 to the Apple Festival. The city, however, is providing the festival police, fire and other city support estimated at $4,000.

Teeter said the Apple Festival Board is understanding of the city’s decision.

For more information on this year’s Apple Festival, visit fourflagsapplefestival.org.