Small Town 4th of July: BLACK HILLS-STYLE

words Mark Petruska

photos Jesse Brown Nelson

John Mellencamp sang about the virtues of small town life on his 1985 album Scarecrow. To those who grew up in big cities or the suburbs, his lyrics evoked a sense of nostalgia for a lifestyle they could only imagine. But for generations of South Dakotans, “those small communities” aren’t just lyrics in a rock ‘n roll song: they’re a way of life, one that few would ever consider trading in.

Small towns foster a sense of community like no other place, and that is especially true during holidays. If you have been fortunate enough to celebrate the 4th of July in one of the small towns scattered across the Black Hills, you know it’s an experience unlike any other. From patriotic parades down Main Street and live music in shadelined parks to picnics featuring everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to hefty slices of tasty homemade pie, capped off by dazzling fireworks displays, there is nothing quite like a small town Independence Day. Sure, bigger cities have bigger budgets, but that just means bigger crowds. We’ll take chatting with familiar faces and Midwest friendliness over jockeying for a parking space and straining to see the fireworks when you’re elbow to elbow with crowds of strangers. If we sound biased, we freely admit it!

The Black Hills are full of communities that take great pride in America and pull out all the stops to celebrate our nation’s independence. Whether you’re in the northern, central, or southern Hills, you’re sure to find that celebratory spirit!

*COVID-19 UPDATE: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, some events may be postponed, cancelled, or subject to limited attendance and other social distancing guidelines. Please check with individual communities for the latest updates before making plans.

Though the population of Piedmont barely exceeds 200 people, this tiny burg situated along Interstate 90 between Rapid City and Sturgis pulls out all the stops for their annual 4th of July Celebration. Festivities kick off with a themed parade, organized and sponsored by Piedmont Valley American Legion Post 311; it’s one of the largest parades in the state and draws families from throughout the region. Afterward, Piedmont City Park offers concessions, games, music, dancing, and displays, often featuring hot rods and antique cars. Once dusk settles, fireworks begin at The Barn. Not only are you guaranteed a fun time, but all proceeds support the Piedmont Fire Department’s fireworks fund and other community events and activities.

The geographical center of the nation is also ground zero for one of the best Independence Day celebrations in the Black Hills. The highlight is unquestionably the Black Hills Roundup, one of the oldest continuously operating rodeos in America. The annual event takes place for six days surrounding the 4th of July holiday weekend and attracts crowds of all ages, who thrill over watching cowboys and cowgirls compete in barrel racing, bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping, and other events. It’s an authentic western experience that has been delighting audiences for over 100 years. Topping it all off is a fantastic fireworks show.

Lead’s storied history as a mining community will never be forgotten, and its annual Gold Camp Jubilee Days 4th of July celebration pays homage to the town’s past while looking toward the future. Dating all the way back to 1926, the multiday event features a parade that begins in Deadwood and culminates at the high school and a wide variety of activities perfect for people of all ages, many of which take place in Manuel Brothers Park. Attendees can participate in horseshoe and volleyball tournaments, enjoy live music, take a mine tour, enjoy tasty refreshments like cupcakes and lemonade, watch a B-1 flyover, pick up a treat from the popular pie social, and lots more. The main draw is the largest fireworks show in the Black Hills, which takes place over the Open Cut.

Fireworks are returning to Mount Rushmore for the first time in more than a decade this year. A staple at the monument from 1998 to 2009, they were suspended over environmental concerns but with stringent safety practices in effect, organizers have been given the green light this year. There are few sights more patriotic than colorful fireworks bursting over stone carvings of four of the nation’s mostrespected presidents; it’s truly a memorable event for all who participate. This year’s show is scheduled for the night of July 3, but final details are still being worked out. If you’re interested in attending, please check the National Parks Service website.

words Danie Koskan

Holidays have a way of linking us to the past and connecting us to the future, and the Fourth of July is no exception. Independence Day brings generations together. The food and fanfare are pretty great, but the company makes it even greater.

“My family has always gotten together on the Fourth,” says Ami Scull-Larson, who delights in carrying on the traditions she enjoyed as a child with her children. This Rapid City mom of three fondly recalls hanging out with family on her grandparents’ lawn along the Elks Golf Course.

“All the cousins played all day and let off fireworks— it was out of city limits then—and then we had a big feast and all gathered to watch the fireworks.”

Ami follows in those festive footsteps by opening her home to family and friends every Fourth of July. She and her husband, Nathan, invite guests to come for tasty fare and fun games and stay for the fireworks at Arrowhead Country Club.

“We have the grill hot, and everyone brings an all-American dish to share,” she says. There’s a buildyour-own sundae bar to top it all off. Nathan’s late grandfather used to make homemade ice cream for dessert, and now he carries on the sweet custom. The best part about traditions is making them your own, so Ami, Nathan, and their kids recently put a new spin on an old Fourth of July staple: they started their own Independence Day parade with the neighbors.

“It’s a new tradition but super fun,” Ami says.

Children and adults wearing red, white, and blue wend their way through the neighborhood on bikes, toy motorized vehicles, a golf cart, and an ATV decorated in American flags, streamers, and bunting. It’s short and sweet, but it’s just enough. And in this season of limited social gatherings, a neighborhood parade may be just what you and your crew need to celebrate without a crowd.

For some Rapid City families, the sweetest Fourth of July memories are made at the ball field.

Jon and Kelly Bachman can think of no better way to celebrate the nation’s independence than by cheering on their baseball-loving boy. Eighteenyear-old Ryan Bachman plays for the Rapid City Post 22 Hardhats, and one of the team’s favorite contests plays out before the hometown crowd at Fitzgerald Stadium over Independence Day weekend. The annual Camping World Firecracker Tournament brings in teams from across the nation for a six-day round robin tournament that includes a fireworks display. It’s hard to separate the Bachmans’ Independence Day celebrations from baseball, but Kelly wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a whirlwind, but it’s been our life the last few years,” she says.

Ami agrees. Families thrive on shared memories, and if she ever took a timeout from tradition on the Fourth, she’d hear about it. Nine-year-old Hunter, eight-yearold Aspen, and five-year-old Vale look forward to the things that bring their clan together on Independence Day.

“My kids know all the little traditions,” she says, adding that even as her trio gets older, “they still really cling to them. They’ve become an important part of our family map.”

That’s why, however the current COVID climate unfolds, you’re sure to find generations gathering throughout the Black Hills to grill up some fun, watch a few games, and wait for something brilliant to light up the night sky.