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Rushmore, Black Hills communities plan Fourth of July weekend entertainment

Fireworks shows set for several Black Hills communities

RAPID CITY, S.D (6/10/10) – Although Mount Rushmore won’t have fireworks this year, the national memorial has a full slate of Fourth of July weekend activities planned, including a B1-B Lancer Bomber flyover on July 3, historical re-enactors and music from the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.

Meanwhile, cities and towns throughout the Black Hills will stage fireworks shows over Independence Day weekend. Among the cities that will have fireworks on Sunday, July 4, are Custer, Lead, Hot Springs, Piedmont and Rapid City (Memorial Park and Arrowhead Country Club). On Saturday, July 3, the Roundup Grounds in Belle Fourche and the Elks Club Golf Course in Rapid City will host fireworks displays.

In past years, Rushmore’s July 3 fireworks show – held the day before Independence Day in part to avoid stealing the thunder from other Fourth of July celebrations -- was the culmination of a day-long patriotic celebration at the national memorial.

This year’s Mount Rushmore fireworks were suspended because an infestation of bark beetles has raised the fire danger in the surrounding woods. However, the annual celebration will continue on the memorial grounds. Among the events scheduled for Saturday, July 3.

• The Porcupine Singers – traditional Lakota singers and drum group from Porcupine, S.D.
• Military swearing-in ceremony.
• B-1 bomber flyovers – 28th Bomb Wing from Ellsworth Air Force Base.
• Year of Unity Speaker – Gerard Baker, National Park Service Assistant Director of American Indian Relations and former Supt. of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
• National Park Service Junior Ranger Ceremony.
• Presidential re-enactors – theater areas and among the crowd.
• Phil Baker – children’s musical entertainer.
• World champion hoop dancer Jasmine Pickner.
• Flute player Sequoia Crosswhite.
• Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.
• Veterans’ recognition & the evening sculpture lighting ceremony.

On Sunday, July 4, entertainer Phil Baker will again perform, and the presidential re-enactors will be roaming the crowd for a second day. Independence Day at Mount Rushmore National Memorial will conclude with the veterans’ recognition ceremony and lighting of the sculpture.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society
605-341-8883