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Niles council approves slate of summer events, including Renaissance Faire and Riverfest
Summary
Council approved requests for the Niles Renaissance Faire (May 16–17), Niles Bluegrass Festival (May 28–31), Hero Run (June 6), Riverfest (July 30–Aug 2) and Jesus Fest (July 9–12); most motions carried with Councilmember Thompson recording several nay votes on Riverfront Optimist events and the Hero Run.
Council approved multiple requests for community events and festivals during its April 13 meeting. The council authorized Wolfshead Productions to hold the Niles Renaissance Faire on May 16–17, 2026 at Plym Park; approved LifePlan’s Hero Run 5K/10K and 1-mile walk for June 6, 2026 (Councilmember Thompson voted nay on that item); and approved Riverfront Optimist Club events including Niles Bluegrass Festival (May 28–31), Riverfest (July 30–Aug 2) and Jesus Fest (July 9–12), several of which recorded a single nay vote from Councilmember Thompson.
Public commenters during the meeting urged council support for community festivals: Carrie Nyenhuis, producer of the Niles Renaissance Faire, said she "would appreciate a yes vote and is looking forward to putting on a great faire this year." Tom Majerek (312 Sycamore) detailed planned festivals and Thursday-night dinners and asked for the council's support for three Riverfront Optimist events; Lisa Croteau invited attendees to Chamber of Commerce events including NODE’s April 25 opening and Coffee with Cars on April 26.
