Niles Bluegrass Festival wraps up final day

NILES, Mich.--- The 18th Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival wrapped up on Sunday. Hundreds of people came out to Riverfront Park for the four day event featuring music and local vendors.

"It’s something that people look forward to every single year," said Josh Sitarz, President of the Riverfront Optimist Club. "We’re not a traditional bluegrass festival, we do have bluegrass but we have all types of music. People just come out here and have a good time with their families that’s what it’s all about."

The festival attracted vendors and visitors from all over Michiana and beyond.

"This is actually our first time to be able to join the Bluegrass Festival," said Jacque Richardson, Owner of Rock'n J Farms. "We’re originally from Missouri and moved here. Super excited to be a part of it and we definitely will be returning, it’s been a great enjoyment."

Organizers say the festival exceeded expectations despite the less than ideal weather.

"I think people are just ready to come out," said Sitarz. "It’s been a year since the pandemic so it’s kind of like a celebration. I don’t want to say its over but it feels like it."