RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The National Park Service has denied South Dakota officials’ request to launch fireworks at Mount Rushmore thsi year.
National Park Service Regional Director Herbert Frost denied the state’s request on Thursday, saying the parks service is concerned about risks to the park and employees after a fireworks show at the monument last July during a campaign appearance by then-President Donald Trump.
Frost also said the services’ tribal partners expressly oppose fireworks at Mount Rushmore and large crowds the event would draw would make social distancing difficult if not impossible.
Gov. Kristi Noem tweeted Friday that the best place to celebrate the Fourth of July is Mount Rushmore.
