By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Find out what floats and what doesn't at the "Anything that Floats" raft race, being held on Saturday Aug. 6 at 2 p.m.
The race is part of the 15th annual Riverfest held each summer in downtown Niles at the Riverfront Park.
The theme for the 2005 race is "Books." Those participating will have to design their raft according to the theme.
For the race each of the rafts will go down the St. Joseph River, along with the other participants, to create a floating parade.
The realtors at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Specialists have been participating in the raft race for more than 10 years.
The realtors have the most fun actually getting on the river and throwing water balloons at the spectators and other raft riders.
The rafts are provided for the contestants, along with a few building materials. The participants can also bring their own boat.
The rafters may participate in a decorating party at the boat launch behind the old Niles City Police Department, on Friday, Aug. 5 at noon and it will continue the morning of the race at 10 a.m.
The cost for entering the "Anything that Floats" raft race is $70 per raft, which included two free t-shirts. Raft rentals are available for $60.
Awards will be given to the rafters chosen by a panel of judges. The awards include: Most Colorful Raft, Best Use of Theme, Most Creative Raft, Best of Show, Raft Only a Mother Could Love, Best Built Raft, Prettiest Raft and Slowest Raft.
Also taking place at the 2005 Riverfest is the Dragon Boat Challenge on Saturday Aug. 6, at 9 a.m.
Each boat will consist of 18 paddlers and one drummer. Two teams will speed down the river in each heat competing for the best time. It is required that all participants must be at least 14 years of age.
In the Chinese tradition, many believed that dragon boat racing would ensure prosperous and plentiful crops.
The Niles Dragon Boat Challenge festivities will kick off with the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony on Friday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m.
Immediately following the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, all participants in the Dragon Boat Challenge will be given the opportunity to practice and test their skills.
Anybody interested in forming their own team for the Dragon Boat Challenge may download an entry form at the official Niles Riverfest website.
For more information on the "Anything that Floats" raft race or the Dragon Boat Challenge go to www.nilesriverfest.org, or contact Lisa Croteau at (269) 687-4332.