PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Governor Kristi Noem today announced that following several months of meetings and discussions, the State of South Dakota and the U.S. Department of the Interior have agreed to bring fireworks back to Mount Rushmore National Memorial beginning with the 2020 Independence Day celebration.

“We are excited and honored to see fireworks return to our nation’s Shrine of Democracy,” said Noem. “When the fireworks were previously held at Mount Rushmore, the show was beamed around the globe via satellite. The entire world was able to view a celebration of our nation’s freedoms from the majestic memorial and the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. There is no more fitting place in all the nation to celebrate our democracy than from Mount Rushmore. We are grateful to President Trump and Interior Secretary Bernhardt for helping us make this happen.”

Fireworks were last seen at Mount Rushmore in 2009 but were discontinued following concerns related to the pine beetle infestation in the Black Hills National Forest. Since that time, the forest has gained strength and advancements in pyrotechnics allow for a safe fireworks display.

“I look forward to working with the State of South Dakota to restore a fireworks display at one of our nation’s great Memorials, which tells the story of the birth, growth, development, and preservation of this great country,” said United States Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt.

Several state and local agencies will work together over the next year to coordinate and plan the celebration and to ensure the fireworks display is safe and enjoyable for visitors.