Detroit (WWJ)  -- The Detroit River Days summer celebration will run from June 20-23 this year and conclude with the massive fireworks display from the Detroit River.  
 
Organizers of the festival announced Tuesday that events for the four-day celebration will include a Parade of Lights with 50 boats, the Ultimate Air Dogs, Pooch-a-Palooza Pet Walk, carnival rides, and jet-ski demos.  

"GM River Days is a perfect way for us to demonstrate and celebrate our commitment to this great city and the transformation of our spectacular riverfront," said Matt Cullen, General Manager, Economic Development and Enterprise Services, General Motors in a statement.    

Also making a larger splash on the Detroit River this year will be a historical tall ship: The Highlander Sea.  The 154-foot schooner will dock at Rivard Plaza during the festival and allow visitors to explore the ship with free educational tours.  

There will also be a Detroit River Cruise, featuring up to 100 boats, and APBA Gold Cup Race exhibitions on the river.    

"Last year's festival allowed hundreds of thousands of people to experience our beautiful new riverfront for the first time," said Faye Alexander Nelson, President & CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.  "We look forward to many more people discovering Detroit's newest jewel as they take part in all the activities, sights and sounds at GM River Days."    

Other activities include a new 5K Saturn Fun Run, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame interactive sports exhibit, NASCAR simulators, and a show car. 

Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor will be a new festival site featuring activities and presentations by Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.    

The festival is free and will run Friday from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. and 10 - 9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.    

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