By Staff
NILES - Tonight the sixth annual Mr. &Ms. Riverfest will be crowned at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater.
Niles Riverfest 2005, one of Southwestern Michigan's most popular festivals is celebrating its 15th year. This fun-filled annual event begins tonight and runs through Sunday, Aug. 7, in downtown Niles, at Riverfront Park. The events are free to all who attend.
Mr. &Ms. Riverfest 2005 will receive a crown, sash and be awarded gifts and prizes, and the first runners up will receive special gifts as well.
The reigning Mr. and Ms. Riverfest 2004, Conrad Rader and Lisa Lidecker, will pass on their crowns to the new winners. Radio personality "Wild Bill" Lewis from WYTZ in Benton Harbor, will be the master of ceremonies for the contest.
The Van Dyke Revue will be entertaining the audience before, during and after the contest.
Other Riverfest highlights include:
Fifth Third Bank/YMCA 5K Walk/Run - Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 a.m. registration; event begins at 9 a.m.
A fishing contest sponsored by the Outdoor Channel will be held at Niles Riverfest on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 7, from noon to 6:30 p.m. 
Chinese Dragon Boat Races - Friday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.
AAA Tenth Annual All Classic Car and Truck Show - Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.
"Anything That Floats" Raft Race - Saturday, Aug. 6, 2 p.m.
Entertainment-all weekend long
A variety of musical entertainment will be featured at 2005 Niles Riverfest, including:
Balos Family Gospel Singers, Irv Cass (Niles own Elvis impersonator), Church of Niles, Generations, Jetta and the Jelly Beans, Phil Hornet, Soul Shaker, Soul Rider, Stage Fright Remedy, The Stray Horns, Van Dyke Revue, Black Velvet Band and Wood N' Nickel.
The Niles Riverfest 2005 is great family entertainment and it is absolutely free.
If you would like more information about Niles Riverfest 2005, visit the festival website at www.nilesriverfest.org.