Colorful 4th of July – with a New Meaning

In the summer time one of the best holidays to go camping is around the 4th of July.

Several events in state parks are planned.  Small town red, white and blue festivals with tons of family fun activities.  Maybe a rodeo.  And, of course the big fireworks displays.

All that being said, camping in the Black Hills for the July 4th weekend will have a new meaning for many colorful people gathering.

The U.S. Forest Service estimates about 750 people so far have arrived for a counterculture gathering in the Black Hills.

Members of the Rainbow Family of Living Light have been trickling into western South Dakota for the summer gathering they hold in a national forest every year. The gathering begins Wednesday and continues through July 7.

The celebrations annually draw thousands from across the country and often the ire of local law enforcement.

The forest service has an operating plan in place with some members of the gathering.

Source:  Associated Press