June is almost here! Nearing the edge of spring and eagerly awaiting summer, Riverfront Park in downtown Niles invites you to enjoy the energetic mix of music, artisan crafts, food vendors, and carnival rides, brought to you by the 21st Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival. Presented by the Riverfront Optimist Club of Niles, June 1st through June 4th promises four days of fun!
“Founded by music enthusiast and active club member Tom Majerek, we have expanded the genre of music since its debut in 2002,” says Josh Sitarz, President of the Riverfront Optimist Club of Niles. “We like to call it “Americana”– of course we still have traditional Bluegrass music, but also include folk, rock, Christian, and country music.”
With over a dozen live music acts, the free concert line up is packed! You’ll find the concerts in the Outdoor Riverfront Amphitheater along the river, between Sycamore and Main Streets– seating is shaded, first come first served, and Bring Your Own Chair. Concerts kick off on Thursday 6/1, and the first band takes the stage at 4:15 p.m. Open Mic starts the day on Friday at 4 p.m, and the Saturday + Sunday concert lineup begins at Noon.
Shopping will be in abundance during the festival, with over fifteen different craft and vintage goods vendors on site. Find handmade clay goods, bags, blankets & scarves, toys, apparel, artwork, and more, you will find that ‘one of a kind gift’! There will also be a baked goods vendor, henna tattooist, and returning crowd favorite: carnival rides by B.A.J.Amusement. Head to the Riverfront Optimist Club Facebook page to find a printable coupon for a discount ride wristband (you must print it out and physically bring it with you to the ticket booth).
Come to the festival hungry, as throughout the weekend you’ll be able to purchase delicious foods from vendors such as: El Amigo Pepe, Richie’s, The Pretzel Wagon, Ridgedale Christian Ministry, Proud Mary’s Steak Tips, Snowball, and Strawberry Shortcake. It’s Fair Food season!
“This festival is one of Niles flagship events, drawing in crowds of up to 10,000 attendees, and our best year, 2019, brought in 15,000 to 20,000 people,” Josh says. “I have been a part of the festival since I was a young kid, back in 2015. My dad, T.J Martin, joined the organization to coordinate the ‘family fun fair’ portion of the event, and brought me on to help with trash pickup. Through the years I have become much more involved, and more intrigued with this event and the City of Niles as a whole!” The Niles Bluegrass Festival took a break during the pandemic, as most events did, and though their comeback was difficult in 2021, this year will be ‘the best one yet’.
The City of Niles is expecting you, June 1st – June 4th, for the 21st Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival in Riverfront Park. Admission is free, concerts are free, and there is no charge for making memories! The Riverfront Optimist Club of Niles Chapter #17493, organizers, presenters, and creators of this family-fun festival, is a non-profit organization focused on providing positive service projects and empowering youth in the community. Visit their Facebook page for concert lineups, vendor details, and coupons.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
jocelynet@moodyonthemarket.com
