MOUNT RUSHMORE N.M., S.D. – The annual fireworks at Mount Rushmore
National Memorial ended a day full of patriotic entertainment and
celebrations. Fire and weather experts monitored conditions throughout
the day, and the decision to start the fireworks part of the show came
at 9 p.m. By the end of the night, more than 5,200 shells and
pyrotechnics had lit up the sky over the sculpture.
The 27-minute long fireworks display was seen by park visitors, viewers
of the broadcast on KEVN, and the live web feed on the South Dakota
Public Broadcasting website. The fireworks were preceded by a day filled
with music and dance for visitors at the park.
"Mount Rushmore celebrated our nation’s birthday with a rich diversity
of music, entertainment, and patriotic tributes, "said Superintendent
Gerard Baker. "I would like to thank everyone who made this event
possible. This event was a success because of the hundreds of hours
volunteers and partners spent making it possible."
The crowd stood in silence for the solemn flag folding ceremony held
before the fireworks burst into the sky. Park officials estimate over
20,000 people visited Mount Rushmore on July 3. The patriotic
celebration continues on July 4 with music and cultural entertainment
beginning at 5:30 p.m. leading up to the regularly scheduled nightly
sculpture illumination ceremony beginning at 9 p.m. Please see