By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Rivefront Park was a flurry of activity from early morning until after dusk. Saturday marked the annual Spring Fling event. From the arrival of the first plants to the departure of the last musical performer, the weather could only be described as perfect.
Kicking off the day was the Four Flags Garden Club's third annual Plant Sale.
"I would say that plants were 80 percent sold out within about 40 minutes. It was like there had been a swarm of locusts. I left for a few minutes to get some money and when I got back most of the plants were sold," Lisa Croteau, Program Manager Niles Main Street said.
Club members offered established plants from their own gardens for sale with prices ranging from $1 to 3.
Runners began to arrive to register for the Isaac and Dora Davis Foundation and Resources, Inc. 5K walk at 10 a.m., which began at 11. All funds raised from the $20 entry fee went toward a scholarship fund and toward the Ferry Street School Project.
The Sixth Annual Youth Performing Arts Festival got underway shortly after noon following the presentation of awards for the IDDFAR runners. Dancers from the Niles Academy of Performing Arts were the first to take to the stage.
At 2:30 p.m. the ATA Safety Net demo team performed for those gathered in the park. Throughout the morning, classes had been held at the ATA Martial Arts for Kids Academy at 217 E. Main St. for children to learn self-defense. Several children participated and some signed up for future classes offered by the academy's new owner Dave Stafford.
"It is a wonderful introduction for the children. The basic program teaches them ways to defend themselves should they need to," he said.
"This is the only stranger danger program endorsed by Amber Alert," said Tina Ronan, black belt instructor from leadership Martial Arts of Elkhart, Ind.
Following the youth performers, the day rounded out with 90 minutes each from Schwa, Voo-Ja-Da and 9th Street Bridge rock bands.