Belle Isle Picnic Shelters Drawing Crowds

DETROIT (WWJ) - Expect some long lines on Belle Isle Monday. As usual at this time of year, Detroiters are lining up to be among the first in line to reserve a picnic shelter on Belle Isle.

Roy Gordy was first in line. He arrived on Belle Isle Thursday afternoon and has camped out all this time in order to get Shed #1. He says for his famous family, it's a 75-year tradition.

"Esther Gordy, when she was living, she came every year til she passed," Gordy said. "Her father came every year."

As for Berry Gordy, Roy Gordy says he came to the annual family reunion twice.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Vickie Thomas spoke with Keith Flournoy,  park manager on Belle Isle.

"People always ask me what's the best time to come out and I say it's really hard to say," Flournoy said. "I just tell 'em, you know, be here when Mr. Gordy gets here, and then you'll probably get the shelter you want."

Kenneth Calhoun said summertime gatherings on Belle Isle are a family staple.

"We have a family annual picnic and a planning committee," Calhoun said. "And our committee we set up to be here so that we can have the shelter that the family selected and they like the best."

For Belle Isle information, visit this link.