The first ever Niles Fright Fest creeps into town this Saturday. The day’s activities begin at 1 p.m. and stretch until 10 p.m. with activities that will provide a little something for people of all ages.
Main Street Downtown Development Chair Missy Smith said that daytime activities will be mostly for families and include a host of children’s games, fun house and pumpkin decorating at the former Riverfront Cafe located at 219 Front St.
“The holiday itself is a fun time,” Smith said. “We wanted to capitalize on that.”
Smith said that organizers hope the event will become a tradition to Niles.
“We are trying to bring people to downtown Niles so that it will help people see what is down here,” Smith said.
The DDA also wanted to think of a way to involve downtown businesses. This year, the businesses will help participate in a ghostly scavenger hunt. The hunt will start at the former Riverfront Café building where players will get their first clue. They will then have to search the downtown for “ghosts.” Clues will be hidden in business storefronts or inside of local businesses.
Activities will continue into the evening, where for $5 those daring enough to play can participate in the Zombie Apocalypse Run. Registration for the run will start at 6 p.m. Before the run, players choose whether they want to be a zombie or a human. A station where zombie makeup will be applied is available.
The runners’ task is to out run and out wit the zombies,’ who will be racing them along the course.
The race is one mile long and will include some spooky surprises along the way.
“It’s a little creepy,” Smith said.
Children can participate in the race. Those 13 and under must be with an adult.
For its first year, Smith said the downtown is anticipating about 400 people. While this year may be relatively small in attendance, she said she hopes the event can grow over the years and one day incorporate ghost stories from rumored to be haunted downtown Niles, and even an independent film festival.
As for this year’s event, Smith feels that the downtown will provide a thrill to anyone who participates.
“It’s something that the whole family can do,” Smith said.