By By EMILY DREITZLER / Niles Daily Star
NILES - "If you build it, they will come."
The Niles Riverfest is looking for creative individuals to participate in the annual "Anything that Floats" raft race, being held on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m.
The theme for this year's race is "Books." Participants are asked to design their rafts according to the theme of the race.
Each designed raft will proceed down the St. Joseph River, along with all other participants, to create the feeling of a "floating parade."
Rafts are provided, along with some building materials. Participants may also bring their own boat.
A decorating party for all rafters will be held Friday, Aug. 5 at noon at the boat launch behind the old Niles Police Station and will continue on Saturday morning at the race registration, beginning at 10 a.m.
The entry fee is $70 per raft, which includes two free tee shirts. Raft rentals are available for $60.
An adult must accompany all participants under the age of 16.
A panel of judges will bestow awards to participating rafts at a presentation held at the Riverfront Amphitheater on the evening of Aug. 6. It is requested that each team provide a representative at the awards ceremony.
Awards include: Most Colorful Raft, Best Use of Theme, Most Creative Raft, Best of Show, Raft Only A Mother Could Love, Best Built Raft, Rowdiest Raft, Prettiest Raft, and Slowest Raft.