By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The name says anything that floats.
But, those wishing to participate in the Anything That Floats Raft Race at this year's Niles Riverfest don't have to tear apart their back shed or garage for parts. Tom Majerek, who organized the event the last 11 years, said rafts can be provided.
The Anything That Floats Raft Race starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Adults must accompany any participants under 16 years old.
People can bring their own rafts or rent one from Riverfest, Majerek said. Some building supplies will be provided, but each group must create their own style and design.
Majerek said those interested in entering a raft can go to www.nilesriverfest.net and print out a registration form. He also said people can contact him with questions at (269) 845-9815.
"Or, just come on down to the boat launch Friday," Majerek said.
Participants will be constructing their rafts at the boat launch on Bond Street behind the old police station Friday starting at noon. Majerek said people still wishing to participate can stop down and decorate a raft provided by the Riverfest organizers.
Majerek said Riverfest owns 40 rafts, and some groups have already signed up to participate. Coldwell Banker, the Niles District Library, Krueger's Septic Service, Modineer and Silverbrook Manor have all registered to float the St. Joseph River.
"A lot of the people are coming back so I don't see the quality diminishing," Majerek said.
The provided rafts consist of 55-gallon drum barrels connected to eight-by-four platforms.
Non-profit groups are generally not charged to use a Riverfest raft, Majerek said. Businesses are asked to pay $75 per raft, which includes two T-shirts. He added the Riverfest organizers will haul the rafts to and from the boat launch before and after the event.
The theme for the 2006 raft race is Mardi Gras. Majerek said float decorations are expected to cover a large range.
"Decorations go from anything from a cooler to the elaborate. The important thing is everybody has fun," Majerek said.
One tip for decorating Majerek did suggest was keeping the raft as light as possible since participants will have to lift their raft in and out of the water.
There are also some safety tips to remember, Majerek said.
"Never get off their raft and make sure to have their life jackets available," he said.
Each raft must have one life jacket for each individual on the boat. Majerek also suggested carrying an extra jacket to toss to someone that may fall into the water.
"The smartest thing is to use common sense," he added.
Awards will also once again be handed out at 7 p.m. Saturday. Some of the categories are most creative, best built, prettiest, least likely to float and raft only a mother could love.
Majerek said an award for sexiest raft has also been added for 2006.
"We just always added a new award every year. I was trying to think of new ways to describe a raft," Majerek said. "It's all about fun. Who knows, maybe a group of guys with beer bellies will win it."
The 2006 Anything That Floats race will be the first in more than a decade Majerek hasn't chaired. Following last year's event he handed the responsibility over to Boy Scout Troop 550. All proceeds from the event will go to the troop.
"It's one of those things you never walk away from," Majerek said. "I decided instead of picking a person I would pick a group."
Rock-n'-roll band Van Dyke Revue kicks of the 2006 Niles Riverfest tonight at 6 p.m. at the Riverfront Park amphitheater.