Sunday, Jul 2, 2006
Thousands of visitors are expected to take part in the Independence Day Celebration at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Monday, July 3. Visitors should plan to arrive early and be prepared for a full day of entertainment at Mount Rushmore.
In past years, the parking garage has filled by mid-morning. All vehicles will be screened before entering the memorial. Traffic will be heavy and enhanced security measures will be in place. Visitors are asked to please be patient and expect delays as they arrive and depart the memorial. Carpooling is strongly recommended. By early afternoon, the nearest parking will probably be in Keystone, necessitating a 3-mile hike to the memorial with an 800-foot elevation gain.
“We are very excited about the variety of musical groups that will be performing throughout the day. With the breathtaking military flyovers and the incredible fireworks display, Mount Rushmore will be the place to be on Monday to celebrate our nation’s freedom and independence,” said Memorial Superintendent Gerard Baker. “We were also pleased with the third of an inch of rain we received in the last two days. This much needed moisture brings us closer to the conditions we need to have before starting the fireworks show.”
No weapons, personal fireworks, or pets will be allowed in the Memorial. No umbrellas or lawn chairs will be allowed in the amphitheater, although they will be allowed in an adjacent viewing area. Items left unattended will be confiscated. All containers will be searched and visitors will pass through magnetometers before entering the memorial.
Entertainment begins at noon on the concession stage with live music by the contemporary Native American group Brulé. At 1 o’clock, KKMK Music in Motion will kick off the entertainment in the amphitheater. Other musical performances and military flyovers are scheduled throughout the day. Please see www.nps.gov/moru for a full schedule. The entire day’s celebration is dedicated to veterans and active duty members of the military. The patriotic fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:15.
Local TV station KEVN, Fox News, will broadcast the fireworks live. Local FM radio station KKMK, Magic 93.9, will be broadcasting live from the memorial all day and simulcasting the firework’s patriotic soundtrack for those wishing to view the fireworks from a distance. For current information on events at Mount Rushmore, listen to KKMK or call the memorial at 605-574-2523.
Photo Caption: Entertainment includes music from the contemporary award-winning group Brulé.
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