By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The search is on for this year's Mr. and Ms. Riverfest – two individuals who will reign over the annual Niles Riverfest for the duration of the event.
And it's not just the crown that will be passed on this year.
Lynne Green has served as chair of Mr. and Ms. Riverfest for the past nine years. She has been a member of the board for the event for 17 years. Now, she's passing on her duties – to last year's reigning couple, Christine and Shane Allen.
"I just want to do other things," Green said.
Being chosen as Mr. and Ms. Riverfest, Green said means, "to be the king and queen" of the festival. "And to have fun," she added. "That's essentially what it's all about." Winners have a chance to ride on their own float and take part in the dragon boat race. "And it's actually the kick off of Riverfest," said Green. "So don't enter if you don't want to have fun!"
Contestants and winners will also receive prizes donated by local businesses.
"Everyone has always been wonderful to me," said Green. "Everyone who has given us gifts." With her departure from the helm of Mr. and Ms. Riverfest, she makes special mention of thanks to all of those who have helped her over the years. In preparation for the crowning of Mr. &Ms. Riverfest, Green seeks donations from area businesses and puts applications out in the Niles Daily Star, at Millennium Steakhouse, Prime Table, Kitchen Connection, Riverfront Cafe and online at www.nilesriverfest.net.
When Christine Allen saw an application a couple of years ago, the idea sounded like fun to her. So she signed up herself and her husband. Their first year running, the Allens came in third place. Last year they were first.
While she said, "I know it's a great event for couples," couples need not be the only ones who apply. Individuals are welcome to take a shot and being crowned "king" or "queen." Allen and her husband dressed up in accordance to last year's theme, "America the Beautiful."
"I was really confidant that we were going to win last year," she said. "It was a lot of fun."
Now, the Allens will have to learn the ropes from Green in order to take over as co-chairs of the event.
Green hopes that the event will get better each year and said above all things it is about having fun and "it's about community."
Contestants must attend a practice on Monday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m.