By By RANDI K. PICKLEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The Optimist Youth Festival weekend of family entertainment is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14 in the Niles community. The Niles Optimist Club is sponsoring the annual event which will offer entertainment of interest to all ages.
Tom Majerek, a member of the Optimist Club, said, "We've been doing this for four years now. 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."
According to Majerek, the festival will be the first event to kick off the summer concert series.
From the gymnasts to rock music to youth choirs, the weekend will be jam packed with non-stop talent, plus food, crafts and a flower sale.
A 5-K Run is planned for Saturday, May 14 beginning at Riverfront Park. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the race commences at 10 a.m. Both are Michigan times.
The tentative schedule is as follows:
Friday, May 13:
5 p.m. - Andrews University "Gymnics," a team of acrobats and gymnists
5:30 p.m. - Ring Lardner's Middle School Band
6:30 p.m. - Ring Lardner's Middle School vocal group, "Voices Unlimited"
7:30 p.m. - Niles High School Counterpoints
8:30 p.m. - Stage Fright Remedy, local students
Saturday, May 14
10 a.m. - IDDFAR 5K run and walk
11 a.m. - The Balos Family Singers
Noon - The Michiana Christian Assembly Children and Youth Groups
12:30 p.m. - SMC Jazz Trio
1:30 p.m. - Niles Idols, Local Stars of Tomorrow which is a new event for performers up to the age of 19 with a special talent. Entrants should bring a tape or CD for background music, if needed, and a keyboard will also be available. To register your act, call Lisa Croteau at 687-4332
3:30 - IDDFAR Tai Chai demonstration
4 p.m. - Ballard Elementary's Choir
3:30 p.m. - "Jetta and the Jelly Beans", a rock and roll group for youngsters
5 p.m. - Niles Home School Children
6 p.m. - Black Velvet Rock Group, high school students