RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun and members of the Rapid City Council will help kick off one of the biggest events of the Real America Birthday Bash this week as they participate in the America 250th Birthday Parade through downtown Rapid City.

Salamun will serve as grand marshal of the community parade, which begins at 7 p.m. Thursday and is expected to draw thousands of spectators as part of the five-day celebration commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Parade organizer Connie Olson, who also coordinates Rapid City’s annual Festival of Lights Parade each November, said the event will feature more than 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, classic cars, community organizations, dignitaries and plenty of candy for families along the parade route.

The parade is one of the signature events of the Real America Birthday Bash, a community-wide celebration running July 1 through July 5 that includes live entertainment, family activities, historical displays and patriotic events throughout downtown Rapid City.

Immediately following the parade, spectators can look to the sky for the Sky Elements Patriotic Drone Show, which is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. The show will feature 500 synchronized drones creating patriotic images above downtown, offering a modern alternative to a traditional fireworks display.

Visit Rapid City officials expect the celebration to attract residents and visitors from across the region as the Black Hills marks America’s semiquincentennial with one of the largest Independence Day events in South Dakota.

Additional festivities throughout the week include live music performances, family-friendly activities, food vendors and community events leading up to Independence Day on Friday.

Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early for Thursday’s parade to secure viewing locations along the route and to plan for increased traffic and limited parking in the downtown area during the celebration.