RAPID CITY, SD – It went about as well as it could have gone meeting, even beating, expectations – Rapid City’s celebration of American’s 250^th Birthday July 1 through 5.

On Wednesday, about 20 people involved in the planning and execution of the massive five-day Real America Birthday Bash gathered at The Hive in Main Street Square to share how the event went this year and what the future holds for Rapid City holiday event planning.

The bottom line?

“It exceeded my expectations, I’ll be honest with you,” said Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. “We were on the map, people planned their vacations here and that tells you something. So yes, I’m tickled pink about how it went.”

The five days of activities took hundreds of volunteers, business owners, emergency personnel and city staff to put together. The events included fireworks, a drone show, a 5k, the Air Force Academy Band and the Municipal Band, contests, a parade and much more.

Precise numbers aren’t available yet, but it’s estimated that tens of thousands of people took part in the five-day celebration.

Ally Formanek, CEO, Visit Rapid City, said Rapid City hosted visitors from 47 states and five countries, hotels were at a 77 percent occupancy rate, and July 3 was the busiest day Visit Rapid City has seen. Formanek said PR efforts generated an estimated $11.7 million in earned media for the community.

“I feel this is some of the best community spirit I’ve ever felt,” Formanek said. “The parade was ridiculous, the energy was insane, it was hailing and nobody cared. It was awesome.”

The Rapid City Common Council allocated $250,000 toward the event and sponsors and private fundraising generated another $230,000. Dan Ainslee, Rapid City Finance Director, said sales tax receipts would cover that initial expense.

“It’s all about the community,” Salamun said. “The city contributed $250,000 to this through the city council last year with my budget. …but the real investment was the community spirit that was felt. You couldn’t help but feel it. It was there, it was real, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Rapid City Fire and Rapid City Police Department said there were few incidents as a result of the event. Cooperation and support from multiple agencies, community members and city departments led to an almost flawless event.

“From a public safety and law enforcement perspective, the celebration couldn’t have gone any better,” Scott Sitts, Assistant Chief, Rapid City Police Department, said. “This couldn’t have been done without months of planning and community support and outstanding teamwork.”

Last year, Salamun said he wanted Rapid City to be a premier destination for America’s 250^th celebration and the consensus among organizers and planners was positive, possibly setting the stage for future celebrations.

“My hope is that this will begin a new tradition in Rapid City that every Independence Day we will celebrate,” Salamun said. “I think it would be a great thing for our community to keep bringing us together, that this is the place to celebrate America each and every year.”