Annual River Days Festival Kicks Off Summer In The Motor City

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit's annual GM River Days festival kicked off with sunny skies and steady crowds on the downtown riverfront Friday.

There are activities for the kids, along with national and local music acts from reggae to rock to soul, and plenty of food.

The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy began the River Days festival in June 2007 to introduce the community and visitors to the transformed Detroit International Riverfront.

Dean DiDinado of Fraser said that Friday was a perfect day for the festival.

"We come down for all of the events that happen down here -- for Hoedown and whatever events happen down here," DiDinado said. "It's just a nice day to be down here."

The festival's $3 admission fee supplements the sponsorship dollars to help put on the festival. Children ages 3 and under as well as seniors ages 65 and up are not required to pay an admission fee.

Admission to the festival will be free between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19th. Also, if you participate in the RiverFront Run you will receive a free admission coupon.

Gladys Knight and the Pips and Bell Biv DeVoe top this year's schedule. You can find a full list of all music acts and other events on the festival's website.