Local Niles festival makes changes to host market this weekend

EN COUNTY, Ind. -- The coronavirus pandemic has canceled a lot of activities and events this year. The annual Four Flags Apple Festival in Niles was one of them. But, organizers found an alternative way to celebrate the seasonal harvest.

This year organizers at the Four Flags Area Apple Festival are holding an open-air Harvest Market at the fairgrounds.

People can walk around and check out all the merchandise, arts and craft booths, handmade items, local produce, and baked goods. Each booth will be 12 feet apart and 24 feet between each row.

This year’s Market Festival will be different than the Apple Festival. For starters, there won’t be any entertainment like the parade, carnival rides, or tournaments. There also won’t be any outside dining areas.

Wearing masks is recommended, and there will be hand sanitizers located throughout the market.

The festival market starts Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parking will be a five dollar donation fee.