Keystone logistics, activities discussed for 250th

About 20 people met at the Keystone Community Center to discuss Independence Day and the 250th celebrations for 2026. 

It was again confirmed that President Donald Trump will attend fireworks at Mount Rushmore July 3. The ticketing system will be made available on recre

tion.gov, although it is not yet available.

Three members of the Keystone Town Board were present at the meeting, but no vote was made and thus did not constitute a quorum. The meeting was advertised as one to present ideas, and many in the room shared exactly that.

A handout explaining the role the city would take was distributed. It will be responsible for garbage cans, portapotties, pole lighting, flags and banners, street sweeping, staffing the visitor information center for longer hours if need be and event advertising. 

Officials encouraged business owners and organizations to give any events for the summer to new tourism director Emma Groninger, who has just  begun in her position. 

Public works is hosting a ham bingo March 28 as a means of raising prize money for a residential and business July 4 decorating contest. Public works supervisor Jerry Przybylski said he hoped to award a $1,000 cash prize in each category. Przybylski also will assist people to put up American flags. 

“If anyone doesn’t have a flag, we will install one at your house,” he said. 

No official theme was chosen at this meeting, but it was suggested that the best small town in America or most patriotic town in America theme be used for the celebration. The town can change the light colors on Main Street and plans to do red, white and blue for the summer. 

“At night, I thought it would be cool,” said Przybylski. 

He also wanted to see Keystone as a destination, not just this year but every year. He suggested spreading events around town to keep people in town.

Logistically, the town wants to create a map for parking, which would require input from residents and businesses who have spaces to provide. There are concerns of gridlocking and people not being able to come in or out July 3, when the fireworks are at Mount Rushmore, similar to what occurred in 2020. Keystone business owner and chamber of commerce board member Melodi Heinis said, “People need organized parking to have a good experience.” 

She called 2020 an “absolute logistical nightmare,” adding, “it just wasn’t a good experience because of the logistical stuff.”

No definitive plans are in place on how to avoid that, but some suggested a shuttle bus from other areas  while others wanted better communication with the South Dakota Department of Transportation. District 30 Rep. Tim Goodwin said he could help with that piece via a meeting with the  state secretary of transportation. 

Goodwin also suggested a theme “Make Keystone Great Again,” and suggested, “let’s all think what do we have to do to make Keystone great again.”

“This is a cool town. I think we should realize that,” he said.

Sherry Smith suggested residents along Old Keystone and Hwy. 40 adopt a pole to decorate one light pole at a time.

“Let’s light it up so they’re interested enough to come up,” offered Smith.

Some aired concerns about “eyesore” properties in town, including the pink building on Winter Street and the former BarLees property on Swanzey street with one resident saying, “It’s the first thing that stands out. It’s not pleasant to look at.” 

Without planning and zoning, the town cannot do much to address those issues. Trustee Will Parks did say there are “lots of opportunities for beautification,” including addressing the empty billboards that greet people on the way to Keystone.

Also unclear is how or if the Keystone Chamber of Commerce will support  the Independence Day event or the 250th celebration. Heinis said the chamber has planning meetings every two weeks and is determining “what we can afford to do.”

She said the organization was a “big part” of bringing the Mount Rushmore Half Marathon back to town and is working on hosting other running events, but that, “our focus moving forward is the businesses in general.” 

“Everyone has been separated” and that “not a lot of people get along,” hoping to “heal” relationships, she said Heinis also made it clear the chamber needs board members, “really badly.”

“I would love for that board to be business owners,” said Heinis, suggesting a total of eight or nine people. 

Paulla Cottrell of the Stars and Stripes Alliance, an organization that has been hosting events throughout town said, “There’s a lot of opportunity for businesses to not just come together for this event, but to promote their businesses.” 

She added, “I feel like we’re really behind the curve.” 

She suggested a coordinator, but it was unclear if she meant for the July 3 event itself or for the entire summer. 

“Maybe we can make something pop,” Cottrell said, citing opportunities for events on Memorial Day or the summer solstice leading up to the Sturgis bike rally. Some suggested car shows, a scavenger hunt or  a heritage days event, but no formal plans nor dates were outlined.

Trustee Nikki Ball said businesses “need to get together themselves” and let the city know if there is something they need.

Sandi McLain, who has written numerous grants for the town, said, “Businesses have to work together, and I  know that’s not a strength of our town.”

Parks said nothing will  happen “unless you identify action items.” 

Some people added their ideas to poster paper hung up around the conference room.

These meetings will be ongoing, meeting every other Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Keystone Community Center. To promote a business or organization event contact the Keystone tourism director at city hall at 666-4827.

For more information on how to get involved in the 250th celebration, contact  McLain at 430-9150.