By Staff
NILES -- Four nationally-known antique fishing lure collectors will have two award-winning historical displays of old fishing tackle, plus many others, set up for the public's enjoyment at Niles' Riverfest in Riverfront Park Aug. 7-8.
This is the 11th year for the displays. Many items on display will be from famous major lure manufacturers, including James Heddon's Sons of Dowagiac, South Bend, Ind., Bait and Tackle Co., Paw Paw Tackle Co., and Shakespeare Tackle Co. of Kalamazoo.
In addition, there will be lures on display from smaller, lesser-known companies from the Niles, Buchanan and Berrien Springs areas.
All four exhibitors are considered experts in their field of tackle collecting. They are Mike Kechkaylo of Berrien Springs, Harold Dickert of Muskegon, Doug Bucha of Niles and Ric Ladonski of Niles.
Riverfest takes place Saturday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 8, from noon-4 p.m.
Free, no-obligation, antique fishing tackle appraisals will be offered.