Mayor: ‘Great time for families, fireworks show, food’
RAPID CITY, SD–The City of Rapid City’s annual fireworks display will be held this Friday, July 4 at approximately 9:30 p.m. from Executive Golf Course. The 20-25 minute show, under the direction and coordination of J&M Displays of Clear Lake, Minnesota will be synched to music on 104.7 The Cowboy. Rainout date is Saturday.
The Rapid City Municipal Band will perform its annual holiday concert prior to the fireworks display, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Memorial Park Band Shell. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets as the venue provides excellent viewing of the City fireworks display.
“This year’s Independence Day holiday offers several days of fireworks shows, along with baseball, car races, a concert featuring patriotic music, and as always, a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends,” said Mayor Jason Salamun. “It’s a great time for families, fireworks shows and food, and I hope everyone has an enjoyable, memorable and safe holiday experience.”
Rapid City Fire Chief Jason Culberson reminds the public that fireworks, with the exception of novelty fireworks, in the City limits is prohibited.
“Even with the use of novelty fireworks, use extreme caution and proper safety,” Culberson said. “And if you are in areas where fireworks are allowed, safety measures include the proper handling and use of fireworks and having sufficient water supplies on hand should a problem arise.
“As always, have fun and be safe.”
Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick is also emphasizing the importance of safety this holiday period, noting the variety of options available to avoid driving while impaired.
“Have a fun, safe and memorable holiday, and remember there are many options to avoid impaired driving, including designating a driver, using ride-sharing services or a taxi, calling a family member or friend,” Hedrick said.
ADDITIONAL FIREWORKS DISPLAYS & ACTIVITIES
Other fireworks displays in Rapid City include Rapid City Elks Golf Course Thursday, Arrowhead Country Club and Black Hills Speedway on Friday, and Post 22 Firecracker Tournament display on Saturday. There will also be fireworks and holiday activities in area communities.
PARKING AND VIEWING SUGGESTIONS
The public is advised to be patient and allow extra time when arriving and departing the downtown area for the City’s Independence Day fireworks event.
Parking options to view the City fireworks display include the downtown parking ramp, City Hall parking lot, The Monument parking lots, Rapid City Central High School, areas near Founders Park and the downtown area, including east of Fifth Street. As for viewing options, consider lots at The Monument, the top tier of the parking ramp, Legacy Commons greenway, Memorial Park and the adjacent bike path area, Founders Park area, downtown parking areas, Skyline Drive and areas around ‘The Gap’.
The Rapid City Police Department will be restricting and prohibiting access near the display area around the Executive Golf Course. Consider arriving early to access prime parking and viewing areas for the display. Drivers are advised to use caution when driving through construction areas, including along Omaha Street west of West Boulevard, as well as adjacent areas near the fireworks display area, both before and after the show due to increased traffic in the area.
The public is advised to use caution along the City’s bike path in the area of Founders Park, Executive Golf Course and the Legacy Commons/Memorial Park area with larger numbers of pedestrian traffic expected in these areas.
ONLY NOVELTY FIREWORKS ALLOWED IN CITY LIMITS
Fireworks go on sale and are eligible for discharge from June 27-July 6 in South Dakota, City officials remind residents and visitors that City ordinance prohibits fireworks within city limits with the exception of ‘novelty fireworks’ such as sparklers, party poppers, snappers, toy caps and flitter sparklers.
City officials also urge the public to use extreme caution if they are in areas where fireworks are permitted and also with the use of novelty fireworks. A sufficient water source on hand when using novelty fireworks, barbeque grills and other fire sources is advised.
