By By RANDI K. PICKLEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES - A non-stop, action-packed weekend of youthful talent will fill the Riverfront Park Amphitheater this weekend. Youth of all ages will be featured at the Fourth Annual Youth Performing Arts Festival on Friday and Saturday.
From gymnastic teams to rock music to church and elementary school choirs, the weekend will be jam-packed with back-to-back performances and will include a special new addition to the featured shows that will highlight youth from zero to 19 years of age.
Singing, dancing, playing an instrument, and even telling jokes are some of the many ways young people can participate in the event. A keyboard will be provided, but if a CD or tape is needed for accompaniment, the performer must supply them. To be listed as a performer, call Lisa Croteau at 687-4332 to register.
The emphasis for this event is on family, according to Tom Majerek, a member of the Optimist Club. "The performances are by children and for children, but there is an emphasis on family entertainment that any age can enjoy. All the performances are free."
Also, as part of the festival, a 5-K Run is planned for Saturday, May 14 beginning at Riverfront Park. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m.
Food, crafts, and the Four Flags Garden Club Annual Plant Sale will also be featured at the festival.
The schedule of performances for the weekend are as follows:
2005 Optimist Youth Festival
Friday, May 13
5 p.m. - Andrews University Gymnics
5:30 p.m. - St. Mary's School
6:30 p.m. - Ring Lardner Middle School Voices Unlimited
7:30 p.m. - NHS Counterpoints
8:30 p.m. - Stage Fright Remedy
Saturday, May 14
8:30 a.m. - Four Flags Garden Club Annual Plant Sale
10 a.m. - IDDFAR 5K Run &Walk
11 a.m. - Balos Family Singers
Noon - Michiana Christian Embassy Children and Youth Groups
12:30 p.m. - SMC Jazz Trio
1:30 p.m. - NILES IDOL'S - Local Stars of Tomorrow
3:30 p.m. - IDDFAR Tai Chi Demonstration
4 p.m. - Ballard Elementary School
4:30 p.m. - Niles Home School Children
5 p.m. - Black Velvet Rock Group