Date: June 25, 2008
Contact: Amy Bracewell, 605-574-3114
MOUNT RUSHMORE N.M., S.D. – Entertainment, presidential re-enactors and fireworks fill out the Independence Day Celebration this year at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The festivities, including music and entertainment, begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 3 and culminate with the highly anticipated fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Presidential re-enactors, Retro Bill (the D.A.R.E. Safety Buddy) and several musical groups will perform on three different stages and in the two theaters in the Lincoln Borglum Museum throughout the day.
“The memorial comes alive with the celebration of America during this event,” said Mount Rushmore Superintendent Gerard Baker. “Messages of freedom and diversity come through the music and performances that take place on July 3. We are looking forward to celebrating Independence Day with all of our visitors.”
At 9:15 p.m. a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky over the memorial for nearly a half hour. If inclement weather is in the area at the time of the scheduled launch, the fireworks may be delayed. The memorial has until 10:15 p.m. to launch the fireworks or they will be cancelled. There will be no alternative date for the fireworks this year.
Enhanced security measures will be in place at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3. Visitors should plan to arrive early, expect delays, and be patient when approaching, entering, or leaving the memorial. In previous years, the parking garage filled by noon, and by early evening, the nearest parking was in Keystone, necessitating a 3-mile hike with an 800-foot elevation gain up to the memorial.
Superintendent Baker continued, “As in prior years, parking on Highway 244 will be restricted to the downhill side of the road. Carpooling is encouraged to reduce traffic delays, and people are reminded to bring a sweater or a coat along with a flashlight.”
Events planned for Friday, July 4 include entertainment beginning at 5:30 p.m. and concludes with the National Park Service’s evening program and sculpture illumination at 9:00 p.m.
Additional information on the Independence Day Celebration is available on the park web site at www.nps.gov/moru or by calling (605) 574-2523 and pressing extension 5.
