BOX ELDER, S.D. — The City of Box Elder will celebrate its longstanding relationship with Ellsworth Air Force Base during the 9th Annual Salute to Ellsworth on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The free, family-friendly celebration recognizes the 84-year partnership between the Box Elder community and Ellsworth Air Force Base while honoring military members, their families and the role the base has played in the community for generations.
Events will begin at 9 a.m. with the Youth & Family Services Harvest Festival at YFS Fullerton Farm and the Wings & Wheels Car Show, presented by Black Hills Ford and Mustang, at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum. Both events will continue until 2 p.m.
A parade through Box Elder will begin at 3 p.m. The city is accepting parade registrations through Monday, Sept. 7, with businesses, organizations, teams, groups and individuals invited to participate. The parade will recognize Ellsworth Air Force Base, all branches of the U.S. military, military families and the community that supports them.
The main Salute to Ellsworth celebration will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at Box Elder City Hall. Activities will include live music from 10 Miles From Nowhere, food trucks, vendors, a petting zoo and free activities for families.
An honor guard presentation and the national anthem are scheduled for 4:30 p.m., followed by the Centennial 2026 Box Elder Time Capsule Ceremony at 5 p.m.
Throughout the afternoon, families can participate in several free activities, including the “Paint the Plow” art activity, “Cops n’ Bobbers” fishing, face painting by Pixie Dust Party Co., cotton candy from Sweet Fluff Cotton Candy, wildlife encounters with the Black Hills Raptor Center and children’s games with prizes.
The celebration will move toward its finale with a pre-fireworks Glow DJ Dance Party near the main stage beginning at 7:15 p.m. The grand fireworks show is scheduled for 8 p.m.
City officials describe Salute to Ellsworth as more than an annual event, saying the celebration recognizes the people, partnerships and shared history that have strengthened both Box Elder and Ellsworth Air Force Base.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and spend the day at the festivities. Admission and entertainment are free.
Event Timeline:
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: YFS Harvest Festival located at Youth & Family Services’ Fullerton Farm
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Wings & Wheels Car Show presented by Black Hills Ford and Mustang at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum
- 3:00 PM: Parade through Box Elder
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Main Event at City Hall
- Live music, food trucks, vendors, petting zoo, and free family activities
- 4:30 PM: Honor Guard & National Anthem on the main stage
- 5:00 PM: Centennial 2026 Box Elder Time Capsule Ceremony
- 7:15 PM: Pre-Fireworks Glow DJ Dance Party near the main stage
- 8:00 PM: Grand Fireworks Show
