Zip Line, Tuskegee Airmen Airshow New To This Year's River Days Festival In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - The annual River Days festival is coming back this year with something new.

Organizers announced the 9th annual festival will run June 19-21 and include zip line rides 300-feet across the sky  from Milliken State Park along the Detroit River.

Also new this year will be an air show put on by the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum. There will be two models of planes flown by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, a demonstration of precision formation flying by the museum's own three-aircraft team, and aerobatics by world-class airshow performers.

Motown legend Gladys Knight and celebrated R&B group Bell Biv Devo and a trio of members from the 1980s act New Edition will be among this year's musical performers.

Also added to the festival is a new fundraiser, River Nights, which will provide a special preview of the festival, on Thursday, June 18 from 6-10 p.m., featuring a concert by The Spinners. Tickets cost $50 and all proceeds will benefit the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.

"The riverfront has become an iconic symbol to the city of Detroit, and General Motors is pleased to support the Conservancy and highlight the beautiful space along the Detroit River during GM River Days," said John Blanchard, director of local government relations for GM, the event's title sponsor. "The beloved festival brings the metro Detroit community together, and GM is proud to be a part of it."

Ticket sales for River Nights open on Friday, May 15 and can be purchased online at RiverDays.com or by calling 313-566-8200.

[Get more information about the festival at this link].