City council members voted 7-1 to approve the Niles Family Fun Fair/Bluegrass/Americana/Folk Music Festival.

The city will contribute $3,044 in-kind donations to support the festival, which will help to cover the cost of barricade setup and removal, policing, and utility costs. Council members denied the request for the city to contribute an additional $2,000 for advertising, promoting and marketing costs.

While there was little discussion on the festival before the vote, the council later discussed the financial impact festivals could have on residents.   

Councilman John DiCostanzo was the only member of council to vote in opposition to the festival, and defended his decision following the vote.   

“I am not against having festivals in the city,” DisCostanzo said. “I think those things should be self-sustaining events. What we are asking is for everybody in the city to pay for something that may be only utilized by [some people].”

DiCostanzo said the city should make exceptions for events such as the Memorial Day Parade.

In support of the festival, councilman Daniel VandenHeede said that local festivals support the city and its residents, despite the cost.

“I think that everybody does benefit, whether you go down or to the festival or not,” VandenHeede said. “It brings people from the outside into Niles. That benefits the city. It puts us on the map and brings customers to the businesses.”

The 15th annual festival is hosted by the Riverfront Optimist Club, and will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 1 to 4 in Riverfront Park.

The festival will feature various activities:

• Bluegrass music at the Riverfront Amphitheater

• Beer and Jessop Amusements will provide rides, games and food.

• Carnival

• Marine Corps obstacle course

• A family stage and kids crafts area near the Riverfront Playground

• Petting zoo with pony and camel rides

• Pancake breakfast in the community tent, hosted by the Niles Loyal Order of the  Moose, Lodge 978, Chapter 413, on Saturday and Sunday morning

•  Use of Riverfront Park and adjacent parking lot for food, arts and crafts vendors’ sales

• Use of park behind Wonderland Cinema for vendor and trailer parking