RAPID CITY, S.D. — Drivers in Rapid City may notice something a little different this weekend as the iconic dinosaur at Dinosaur Park takes on a purple glow in honor of military children.

According to the Rapid City Municipal Government, Dino will be lit purple beginning Friday evening in recognition of Purple Up! For Military Kids Day and the Month of the Military Child. Mayor Jason Salamun is also marking the occasion with a proclamation at Ellsworth Air Force Base, encouraging the community to show support for military families.

The purple lighting is part of recent upgrades to Dinosaur Park, which now allow the landmark to change colors for special events. This will be just the third time Dino has been illuminated in a different color, following a red display for Red Ribbon Week last October and a blue display earlier this month in recognition of diabetes awareness.

City officials say the tribute is meant to highlight the strength and resilience of military children, many of whom face unique challenges. Frequent moves, long separations from deployed parents and the uncertainty that comes with military life are part of their everyday reality. For Gold Star families, that sacrifice can be even more profound.

In the mayor’s proclamation, Salamun noted that many children in the Rapid City and Box Elder areas have parents serving on active duty, in the reserves or in the National Guard, and April is a time to recognize their courage and the role their families play in supporting the nation.

Community members are encouraged to wear purple on Friday as a visible sign of support and appreciation for military children across the region and the country.

Dino will remain lit in purple throughout the weekend before returning to its normal lighting on Monday, serving as a glowing reminder of the sacrifices made not just by service members, but by the families who stand behind them.