How Much Will July 3rd's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Show Cost?

South Dakota is sparing no expense to celebrate America's 250th birthday this summer.

According to details in the contract between the state and a pyrotechnics company, the price tag for the July 3 fireworks show at Mount Rushmore is $700,000.

The eight-page contract was signed April 9th by the Department of Tourism and Rialto, California-based Pyro Spectaculars to produce the fireworks show, and for 'lighting elements that can be utilized if environmental conditions require an alternative to fireworks,' according to the department. Pyro Spectaculars also utilizes drones at some of their shows.

The contract includes language about the possibility of cancelling the show due to adverse weather conditions. The 'Go/No-Go” protocol can be exercised at any time by the National Park Service up to 7:00 PM the day of the event for inclement weather, including rain, high winds, or other conditions that could endanger visitors or damage the memorial.

Under the terms of the contract, Pyro Spectaculars will carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than three million dollars, Professional Liability Insurance or Miscellaneous Professional Liability Insurance with a limit not less than one million dollars, and Business Automobile Liability Insurance of not less than three million dollars ($3,000,000).

South Dakota’s Freedom 250 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration will take place in front of 4,800 attendees who won tickets in an online lottery. More than 102,000 ticket requests had been submitted for the event.

The memorial will be closed on July 3rd, except for visitors with tickets for the event.