Noem talks fireworks, revenue in press conference

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PIERRE — Organizers have scrapped plans to mandate social distancing during President Donald Trump’s appearance at a July 3 Mount Rushmore Memorial fireworks display and won’t limit the crowd due to coronavirus concerns, Gov. Kristi Noem said Thursday.

Noem said the National Park Service, which oversees the memorial, is doling out 7,500 tickets via lottery for the event on the website recreation.gov. People interested in attending this year’s event may go online starting today and register to get entered into the lottery, said S.D. Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen.

This year’s fireworks display marks the first time in a decade that fireworks will be set off at the memorial in recognition of Independence Day.

“There will be no better place to celebrate our independence,” Noem said. “We are excited that President Trump will be joining us for this event.” Noem said that at this time there were no cost estimates to the state for the event.

Event organizers did not reduce the number of tickets due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Noem said she isn’t concerned an influx of tourists would heighten the risk.

Coronavirus infections are on a downward trend in the state and hospitals are prepared to handle more infections if needed, she said.

People who don’t get tickets to the event will be able to gather outside the monument grounds to watch the fireworks, Noem said.

Noem also touched on state revenues during the press conference, noting that the current revenues are down slightly - .3% from the amount estimated by the legislature earlier this year. She said that the decision has been made to not hold a special legislative session this month to address shortfalls.

“Year to date,” Noem noted, “Tourism is down 3.1% from what was anticipated, and is down 70% when you compare May of this year to May last year.” Noem also said that the gas tax revenues are down 14.4%, month to month from last year, as people are traveling less during the pandemic.

“I do want to thank people in South Dakota for stepping up and supporting their local businesses and restaurants through this trying time,” Noem added.