RAPID CITY, SD — Among items up for discussion and review at Wednesday’s Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee is a request through the mayor’s office to close a section of Rapid City’s downtown core area in July for a multiple-day festival commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Rapid City is hosting Real America: America’s 250th Birthday Bash July 1-5. The request seeks approval of City leaders to close Main Street and St. Joseph Street between Mount Rushmore Road and Fifth Street beginning at 6 p.m. July 2 and reopening at midnight on July 4.
Rapid City’s Real America event will offer a festival-style atmosphere with the area featuring concerts, reenactments, cultural exhibits, family-friendly activities and signature evening spectacles, culminating in fireworks and light shows.
“Plans are underway for Rapid City to host numerous events during the July 1-4 time period to celebrate America’s anniversary,” said Leah Braun, chair of the City’s steering committee. “This has all the makings for a once-in-a-generation celebration that will promote patriotism as well as our community’s culture and community spirit.
“Closing off the section of Main Street and St. Joseph Street will enable the festival to take place in the heart of downtown Rapid City,” Braun said. “What better place to celebrate and commemorate our country and community than downtown.”
City leaders have indicated they want Rapid City to serve as one of America’s destination cities for Americans to visit and celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
Braun says the downtown festival will include a community parade, main stage concerts featuring local and regional bands, historical reenactors and readings, heritage exhibits, an artisan marketplace, a kids’ zone and touch-a-truck displays featuring National Guard, Air Force and first responders. In addition, an open container program will include event cups will be sold to license holders downtown, allowing visitors to enjoy beverages responsibly across the festival grounds.
In addition to the July events, Braun said the committee will also be working with organizations to promote and brand annual events and activities as part of Rapid City’s America’s 250th celebration.”
The City is working with Visit Rapid City on coordination and promotion of the events. For more details, visit the dedicated partner page on the Visit Rapid City website: https://www.visitrapidcity.com/america250-for-partners/
