(Source: Freep.com) Detroit River Days organizers said Tuesday that the fifth annual party celebrating downtown's revitalized riverfront will be getting bigger.

As a result of partnering with Windsor's Summerfest, new activities like the 26th annual Tug Across the River, a firefighters competition, will be part of the event. There also will be an international tugboat race.

A number of signature events will return, including a night parade of light-decorated boats. Of course there will be tall ship tours and national and local music acts. The band lineup is expected to be announced after Memorial Day, organizers said. Detroit River Days, scheduled for June 23-26, leads up to the 53rd annual Target Fireworks, to be held June 27 on the riverfront.

For more about the event, go to detroitriverdays.com.

Get Involved in Detroit River Days:

Volunteer

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to make this festival a success. A variety of positions are available from greeting guests to crowd control.

In exchange for your time and talents, you will receive a River Days Festival Volunteer T-shirt, complimentary parking (with shuttle service to the festival), first priority for volunteer opportunities for the 2011 River Days, and for every shift you work, entry in the volunteer drawing for great prizes.

For more information please contact volunteers@theparade.org or 313-923-8368

Be An Event Sponsor

There are a multitude of options for corporations and organizations to gain exposure and recognition as a River Days sponsor. Please contact Sandra van Meek at the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy at 313-566-8200.

Be An Event Vendor

There is still time to be a part of this great event. Interested event vendors should call 313-963-8418.

It’s finally beginning to feel like spring!!!!! Jogging along the RiverWalk, watching a ball game at Comerica Park, listening to music at the festivals at Hart Plaza are just a few things I love about springtime in Detroit. And, yesterday I rediscovered one more attraction I must add to my list of favorites - the Belle Isle Conservatory.

The Belle Isle Conservatory may be the most peaceful place in Detroit. 

The fragrance, the colors, the beauty of the flowers and plants, the sounds of the water fountain, will make you feel like you have left the city and entered into a tropical paradise. 

After spending only 15 minutes enjoying the wonders of the conservatory, I had forgotten about my hectic day and was completely stress free. 

And, you want to know the best part about the Belle Conservatory? It’s FREE! There is no admission charge to enter the conservatory. It’s open Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

In terms of getting there, it's right to your left about three minutes after you get on Belle Isle. It's just before you get to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.

For more information or to schedule weddings, meetings and other special events contact the Belle Isle Special Events Office at 313-628-2081.

The Belle Isle Conservatory is truly one of Detroit’s greatest gems. Make sure you go and visit the conservatory soon!