Independence Day…South Dakota Style

A year ago we were in Indiana and got to experience how they do the 4^th of July in that part of the mid-west. This year we are in Rapid City, SD and we got to see their style.

Rapid City is a town that really knows how to use public space. Every weekend there is some sort of event going on in Main Street Square. The weekend of the fourth featured the USAF Academy Band. Chrysa and I got to the square a little later than we should have. By the time we arrived the entire lawn was full of chairs. We ended up finding a sliver of shade so we could enjoy what the band had to offer.

We were expecting the usual tunes. Nothing says patriotism like a brass band playing the old standards. I know that I get in the Fourth of July mood when I hear the 1812 Overture. The USAF Academy band did play many of the standard offerings, but they also mixed things up. They played some country, some rock, surf music, and some Elvis.

I was really impressed with these amazing serving men and women. They managed to put on a great show and get the crowd rocking, all in 90 degree weather. They are a traveling band so if they are near you in the future be sure to check them out.

The music and the heat caused us to work up a hell of a thirst. We decided to walk a few blocks to Hay Camp Brewing to grab a frosty brew. Hay Camp is a young brewery (only 19 months old) but they are doing things right. They offer some unique choices in a really cool environment.

They taproom is pretty small and intimate and it’s only usually open Thursday’s and Friday’s. They were open on Saturday for the 4^th and there was a pretty good sized crowd when Chrysa and I got there. We got lucky and found a spot in the back that allowed us to look out on the crowd. We sampled three of their beers but were really taken with 2 of them.

Bitter Warrior is described as a working man’s beer. I would agree. It’s pretty light but very flavorful, and it goes down real easy. It was perfect for a hot day.

Inconfused Experimental Pale Ale is an infused ale and the infusion changes regularly. As a result the beer will taste a little different every time you have it. This time it had a light sweetness that was well balanced. I can’t wait to try it again.

After soaking up some air conditioning we headed back outside to play a little cornhole. Chrysa doesn’t usually play and I can’t figure out why. She’s pretty good!

Music, beer and cornhole makes you hungry so we walked over to Que Pasa for some Mexican food. Que Pasa is a big Mexican restaurant that features a very nice outdoor seating area. I tucked into my pork carnitas with gusto. They marinate the pork in Coca Cola and it makes the meat really tender and delicious. I would be lying if I said I didn’t dream about them at night.

We wanted to make sure that we caught some fireworks, so we hopped on the internet to see what was going on in the area. It turned out that the town of Box Elder had a concert and firework display that night. According to our drivers licenses, we’re actually residents of Box Elder, so it was only fitting that we visited our “home town” for the first time.

We laid down our blanket and enjoyed the cover band for a while and had some kettle corn. The fireworks display came on pretty late and our view wasn’t really good. We were both a little disappointed when we left to head back to Rapid City.

Our disappointment turned to delight on the drive home. It seemed that every local was putting on their own display. They really spared no expense. It was like driving through a war zone on the way back to Rapid. I was so mesmerized by the displays going down the road that I missed our turn and had to do a U-turn.

Our townhouse is on the side of a hill, and we can see the whole valley if we walk around our neighborhood. We decided to take a walk and get an even better view of the bombs bursting in air.

The little walk was a great way to wrap up the 4th.  We really “went local” this Independence Day.  I can’t think of a more patriotic way to celebrate our countries birth.  We had such a nice day I don’t think I would have changed a thing. Chalk up another win for the Mid-West!

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