Friday, Jun 30, 2006
A spectacular fireworks display is slated to cap a full day of events on Monday, July 3rd, at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Musical performances sure to please everyone will take place all afternoon on three different stages. At noon and 2 p.m., Brulé, an award-winning music group known for their inspirational vocals and instrumentals, will perform on the Concession Stage at the entrance to the Avenue of Flags. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., KKMK Music in Motion will provide music for those in the amphitheater. Meanwhile, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Brandon Sprague, an energetic blues musician, will perform on the Information Center Stage. The Hill City Slickers will be performing songs from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s on the Information Center Stage at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Afternoon entertainment in the Amphitheater continues at 3 p.m. with storyteller and singer Philip Whiteman Jr.. Popular Sioux Falls entertainer Phil Baker will provide a show just for kids at 4 p.m.. At 5 p.m., Kenny Putnam & the Fine Pine Quintet will perform. At 6 p.m., the a cappella group Tonic Sol-fa will sing.
The formal program will begin at 7 p.m. with a welcome from Memorial Superintendent Gerard Baker. A prelude to the evening’s signature event will follow with a Flag Folding Ceremony by the Air Reserve Honor Guard from Denver, Colorado, and Ellsworth Air Force Base with presentations made by members of the South Dakota National Guard.
The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska will perform stirring patriotic marches following the ceremony.
At 8 p.m., a B-1 Bomber from Ellsworth Air Force Base will thunder through the sky.
Nationally acclaimed singer Robert Moore will perform at 9:10 p.m.
At 9:15 p.m., a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky over the Memorial for nearly a half hour. Several corporate and private partners and organizations, including the State of South Dakota and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial Society, are sponsoring the fireworks performance. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks show will be postponed to July 4th.
The Hill City Slickers will close the day’s activities with a performance on the Parking Ramp Greenway for departing visitors following the fireworks.
The entire day’s celebration is dedicated to veterans and active duty members of the military.
Enhanced security measures will be in place at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Visitors should plan to arrive early, expect delays, and be patient when approaching, entering, or leaving the Memorial. In previous years, the parking garage has filled around noon, and by early evening, the nearest parking was in Keystone, necessitating a 3-mile hike with an 800-foot elevation gain. People are encouraged to bring a sweater or a coat along with a flashlight.
All vehicles will be screened prior to entering the Memorial parking facility. Visitors will also have to pass through a magnetometer and have their bags and containers searched before entering the Memorial. Umbrellas will not be allowed in the Amphitheater but will be permitted nearby.
As in previous years, parking on Highway 244 will be restricted to the downhill side of the road. Carpooling is encouraged to reduce traffic delays.
Tuesday, July 4, will see entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. and concluding with the showing of the movie “Freedom – America’s Lasting Legacy” and sculpture illumination at 9 p.m..
More information on the Independence Day Celebration is available on the park web site at www.nps.gov/moru or by calling 605-574-2523.
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