KEYSTONE, S.D. – The town of Keystone is preparing to celebrate 250 years of American development and local history with the upcoming Rushmore Heritage Days on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22, offering events for visitors across the Rapid City area.

The two-day celebration highlights the historical development of the United States while showcasing Keystone’s heritage in mining, agriculture, Native American history, and the creation of Mount Rushmore.

Festivities begin Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. with a parade featuring more than 20 floats portraying the historical relevance of the community’s small-town atmosphere. Lineup starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Keystone Mall before the parade moves through town and ends at the Keystone Community Center.

Later that evening, a street dance decorated for the occasion will take place on Mitchell Street in Old Keystone from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Musicians Jalan Crossland and the B.W. Buzz Band will perform using historic banjos and instruments from the past. The event is hosted by Traveler Magazine, Big Thunder Bar & Grill, and Halley’s Store, with dinner provided by Big Thunder Bar & Grill and drinks available for purchase at Halley’s Store.

Watson Park will host the “Party Like It’s 1776” Hometown Picnic from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Food is provided for attendees, with a goodwill donation suggested. Thomas Jefferson ice cream, desserts, and vendor booths will be set up throughout the park.

Announcements for the Legacy Awards honoring historic families will take place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Historic games for children and adults will follow, including a gunnysack race at 5 p.m., a three-legged race at 5:30 p.m., and a wheelbarrow race at 6 p.m.

The celebration wraps up at 7 p.m. with an American historic garb costume contest featuring prizes for categories including “1776 1st Independence Day Attire,” “Wild West Gold Rush,” and “1880’s Keystone Victorian Era.”

Sponsors for the celebration include the Town of Keystone, Big Thunder Gold Mine, Rushmore Cave, Adventure Park, Keystone Area Historical Society, Mount Rushmore Telephone, and The Rock Shed.

August 21st

Parade
Line Up 9:30, Starts 11am
Starts at Keystone Mall, ends at Keystone Community Center.

Street Dance
6pm-10pm
$10 admission

August 22nd

“Party like it’s 1776” Hometown Picnic
3pm-8pm
Picnic begins 3pm

The Yesteryear Games
Gunny Sack Race 5pm
3 Legged Race 5:30pm
Wheelbarrow Race 6pm

Costume Contest 7pm
Categories are as such “1776 1st Independence Day Attire” “Wild West Gold Rush” & “1880’s Keystone Victorian Era!”