PIERRE, S.D.— As of today, it appears the only thing that would cancel fireworks at Mount Rushmore July 3rd would be the weather.
During a press conference this morning, Governor Kristi Noem and Department of Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen laid out details of the fireworks show that will be attended by President Donald Trump.
Hagen says this event has been in the works for more than a year.
“It was May 26 of last year when we signed a memorandum of agreement to work on bringing back those fireworks. We can’t think of anything better than to celebrate and have a little fun on July 3rd with Fireworks at Mount Rushmore.”
Hagen says this year’s fireworks show is a ticketed event.
“You will need a ticket to attend the fireworks. The tickets will be handled by a lottery system through recreation.gov and that lottery system will open tomorrow (Friday) morning and close midnight next Monday (June 8).”
Hagen says they’re expecting 7,500 ticketed people to attend the event.
The Governor was asked about the concern about COVID-19 at the event, which the governor replied if you’re sick or scared, stay home.
“We did have a plan originally of social distancing. We do not anticipate doing any social distancing activities during the celebration. What I am going to ask people to do is if you’re sick stay home. If you’re the vulnerable population and you are worried about the virus, you should stay home.”
Governor Noem says the state is working with Secret Service on plans to provide protection for the President and attendees on July 3rd.
