Two different July 4 celebrations

Eyes across the nation are on Keystone as the area moves into the Independence Day holiday. The tiny town is the closest to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where, it was announced last week, President Donald Trump will make an appearance at the July 3 fireworks display. Gov. Larry Rhoden and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds are also expected to attend.

Casey McNulty, president of the Keystone Town Board, called Trump’s confirmed attendance exciting. 

“Hosting a president at one of America’s most iconic landmarks is a tremendous honor and underscores the significance of this historic celebration as our nation marks 250 years of independence.

“For months, local, state and federal agencies have worked side-by-side preparing for this event. I want to thank our law enforcement partners, first responders, emergency personnel, public works crews, volunteers and local businesses for the countless hours they’ve invested to ensure this celebration is a success,” McNulty said. 

McNulty is certain of the safety of everyone in the community. 

“I also want to reassure our residents and visitors that this will be one of the most thoroughly-planned and secure events our community has ever hosted. The level of coordination between local, state and federal agencies has been extraordinary, and I have complete confidence in the professionals responsible for protecting everyone in attendance. Whether you’re a local resident or traveling from across the country, we look forward to welcoming you to Keystone. We are proud to welcome the president, thousands of visitors and everyone who has chosen to celebrate America’s birthday at the base of Mount Rushmore.”

The fireworks show at Mount Rusmore is a ticketed event and was capped at 4,800 attendees. Those driving by car will do so through Keystone and stopped for ticket inspection at the National Park Service sign indicating Mount Rushmore National Memorial. 

A car search will take place further up the road at the intersection of 16A and 244. Those traveling to the  fireworks via shuttle bus from Rapid City will enter the memorial via the western side of Hwy. 244.

Because of the event, there are numerous temporary road closures which are outlined by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. A temporary road closure on Hwy. 16A will be located just west of the Keystone Mall south to Grizzly Gulch Road. A temporary closure is also planned on Hwy. 244 from the junction with Hwy. 16A south and west to the Wrinkled Rock Trailhead. These closures take effect July 2 at 11 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. July 3. 

The Black Hills National Forest has its own road closures as well which include Breezy Point off of Hwy. 244, the aforementioned  Wrinkled Rock Recreation Areas, access roads 442, and 442.1A and Lafferty Gulch Road (National Forest System Road 751). 

A press release from Freedom 250 dated June 25 said that festivities at Mount Rushmore will include a “stirring tribute to the United States Armed Forces, military bands, ceremonial presentations, precision drill demonstrations, aviation flyovers and a salute to all six branches of the Armed Forces.” 

It added that, “President Trump will deliver a historic address commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary and charting a course for America’s next chapter.” 

The fireworks display is expected to be choreographed to patriotic music.

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference June 26 to address the presidential visit. 

“It’s not abnormal to have dignitary visits, presidential visits. So we work well with the Secret Service. We help them with whatever they need. They help us with what we need. So it’s kind of just a back-and-forth partnership that we have with them,” said Cpt. Casey Kenrick of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. It is unclear exactly when Trump will arrive, but Kenrick noted, “There’s a lot of contingencies,” with “different plans for if different things happen.”

Because of the fireworks and dignitary visits, residents in Keystone have a reprieve from the construction on Hwy. 40 for the sewer upsize project. That work will continue again  July 6. 

Those looking for a quieter experience can visit Hill City July 4. A helicopter flyover will kick off the Hill City Star Spangled Independence Day parade at 10 a.m. The parade will go down Main Street and feature over 25 entries. The Pie and Ice Cream Social is from 2–4 p.m. at the Visitor Information Center (VIC) and features a performance by the Shrine of Democracy.

Erica Layton,  executive director of the Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce, said that “visitors at the VIC have commented that Hill City looks like a Hallmark card or a Norman Rockwell painting this summer with the red white and blue flowers and decorations. The business owners have done such a beautiful job and should be proud.”

Between these two events shoppers can check out all the vendors at the Star Spangled Craft and Vendor Fair taking place in and around the Hill City Center. 

“The Hill City Independence Day experience will be the perfect combination of small town Americana, family fun and patriotism, all with a stunning natural Black Hills National Forest backdrop,” Layton said.