Star-spangled celebration July 3

This weekend Hill City residents hope to make Hill City’s Star-Spangled Independence Holiday Celebration July 3 a memorable event for residents and visitors. All day long there will be something for all ages including a parade, food, music and crafts.
This special patriotic event evolved from conversations with chamber board members and others who wanted to see an event which shows the heart of patriotism in our local community.
Two very special invitations that have been sent out are for are an appearance by Gov. Kristi Noem and a representation from Ellsworth Air Force Base, although those two things have not been confirmed.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with a pancake feed at the Hill City Senior Center that runs until 10 a.m. just in time for a parade on Main St. at 10 a.m. After the parade there will be a Show-n-Shine at the Hill City Visitor Information Center (VIC).
There will be an outdoor craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old tennis courts near the Boys and Girls Club, with 30 booths already registered for the event. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. food trucks will be in town on Walnut Ave. and Elm St.
From 1-3 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club there will be a children’s program including stories about Independence Days in the past and a time for the children to learn old time games like sack races and three-legged races. During that time there will also be an author’s reception at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum.
Carrying on the theme of the good old days, at 3:30 p.m. the Men’s Barbershop Chorus will sing patriotic songs at the VIC followed by an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream & Pie Social. Live music will be provided while people enjoy their refreshments. There will also be music at the Harney Peak Inn on Main St. from 3-6 p.m. and the Mangy Moose from 8 p.m. to midnight.
From 6-8:30 p.m. Hill City Lion’s Club is sponsoring a Basket Bingo event at the Bob Burden Gym, which includes food at 6 p.m. followed by bingo at 6:30 p.m.
It is a full day of entertainment for Hill City residents and visitors and Wetovick-Bily said it is made possible by the planning committee, chamber members, partners and sponsors who have worked together to create a patriotic experience surrounding a holiday that is so important to our country’s history.