RAPID CITY, S.D. — The City’s Independence Day fireworks celebration will take place Sunday, July 4 beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. The 20-25 minute show will coincide with patriotic music on radio station 93.9 The Mix. The fireworks display will be discharged from the Executive Golf Course area. Rainout date is Monday, July 5.
The Rapid City Municipal Band will perform an Independence Day concert prior to the City’s fireworks show. The concert, under the direction of Rapid City Council member Bill Evans, will be held at the Memorial Park Band Shell beginning at 8 p.m.
“This Independence Day is shaping up to be a great holiday experience highlighted by the City’s fireworks show,” said Mayor Steve Allender. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the events. Independence Day is a great time for families, firework shows and food, and we hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe holiday.”
Rapid City Fire Chief Jason Culberson encourages the public to utilize extreme caution with fireworks and open fires during the holiday period.
“As part of all the planning that can go into celebrating the Fourth of July, we want to remind the public about the importance of safety and the extremely dry conditions in the region,” said Culberson. “We want everyone to have an exciting and fun time but be safe.”
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.
“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 Black Hills Speedway after the races on July 2 and at Black Hills Surgical Hospital Ballpark on July 3 after the final game of the day at the Firecracker Tournament. Arrowhead Country Club and the Elks Lodge will not be hosting fireworks displays this summer.
The Rapid City Municipal Band will perform an Independence Day concert prior to the City’s fireworks show. The concert, under the direction of Rapid City Council member Bill Evans, will be held at the Memorial Park Band Shell beginning at 8 p.m.
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, Civic Center 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 the Civic Center lots, 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.
CITY GOVERNMENT–WHAT’S OPEN/WHAT’S CLOSED
Landfill & Library Closed;
Trash Collection Schedule Profiled;
Rapid Transit Service Not Operating
City offices and some operations and services will be closed on Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day. The Monday, July 5 City Council meeting is moved to Tuesday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
The Rapid City Landfill is closed on Sundays and will be closed Monday, July 5 for the Independence Day observance. Trash collection will be adjusted as follows: Monday collection is set for Tuesday, leave out until collected. Tuesday to Friday (July 6-9) collection will operate on a normal schedule, leave out until collected.
Rapid Transit Service operations, including RapidRide, Dial-a-Ride and the City View Trolley, do not operate on Sundays and will not be in service on Monday, July 5. Operations will resume on Tuesday, July 6.
The Rapid City Public Library and The Monument will be closed Sunday and Monday, July 4-5.
The City’s outdoor pools will be open from noon to 6 p.m. daily, including Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5. The Roosevelt Swim Center will be open Sunday, July 4 but will close at 6 p.m. and there will be no family swim Sunday evening. The Roosevelt Ice Arena is closed on Sunday, July 4 and open on Monday, July 5 with public skate scheduled from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Administrative offices at the Rapid City Police Department, Fire Department and Rapid City Regional Airport will be closed on Sunday, July 4 and Monday, July 5. Police and fire shift services will be on duty supporting local and area activities during this time. Regional Airport will be open.
ONLY NOVELTY FIREWORKS ALLOWED IN CITY LIMITS
Fireworks go on sale and are eligible for discharge from June 27-July 11 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 (Ordinance 8.24.020).
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.
Ordinance 8.24.020 is outlined below:
8.24.020 IFC Chapter 33, Section 3301.1.3 Fireworks.
8.24.020 IFC Chapter 33, Section 3301.1.3 Fireworks.
The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.
Exceptions:
1. Storage and handling of fireworks permitted in Section 3304.
2. Manufacture, assembly and testing of fireworks as permitted in Section 3305.
3. The use of fireworks for display as permitted in Section 3308.
4. The sale or use of certain novelty fireworks within the city are permitted, and are limited to the following:
A. Party poppers (not to exceed 0.25 grain).
B. Snappers (not to exceed 0.02 grain).
C. Sparklers (not to exceed 3.5 oz.).
D. Toy caps (not to exceed 0.25 grain).
E. Flitter sparklers (not to exceed 0.2 oz.).
Any person violating this chapter shall be subject to the general penalty provision of § 1.12.010.
(Ord. 5864, 2012; Ord. 5844, 2012; Ord. 5725, 2011: Ord. 5628, 2007)
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