PIERRE, S.D. - The Fourth of July is always a busy time at state parks across South Dakota. If you are planning to be at a state park during the holiday period, make plans to attend one of the following events.

• 4th of July Campsite Decorating Contest, July 4-7, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Volga, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington and Lake Thompson Recreation Area near Lake Preston. Info: 605-627-5441
• 4th of July Parade, Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. CDT, West Bend Recreation Area west of Pierre. Info: 605-773-2885
• Red, White and Blue Bike Parade, Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. CDT, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton. Info: 605-668-2985
• Family Game Time, Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. CDT, Mina Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen. Info: 605-626-3488
• Parrot Program, Thursday, July 4, and Saturday, July 6, 11 a.m. CDT. Newton Hills State Park near Canton. Info: 605-987-2263
• Classic Fourth at the Fort, Thursday, July 4, 1-4 p.m. CDT. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park near Lake City. Info: 605-448-5474
• Kids’ Patriotic Bike Parade, Thursday, July 4, 7 p.m. CDT, Snake Creek Recreation Area near Platte. Info: 605-337-2587
• Patriotic Bike Parade, Friday, July 5, 8 p.m. CDT, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon. Info: 605-582-7243
• Nature Hike, Saturday, July 6, 9 a.m. CDT, Good Earth State Park at Blood Run near Sioux Falls. Info: 605-987-2263
• Family Game Time, Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. CDT, Richmond Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen. Info: 605-626-3488
• Patriotic Bike Parade, Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. CDT, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area near Arlington. Info: 605-983-5085
• Red, White and Blue Bike Parade, Saturday, July 6, 11 a.m. CDT, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area near Canistota. Info: 605-296-3643
• Mr. Drip’s Trip, Saturday, July 6, 2 p.m. CDT, Newton Hills State Park near Canton. Info: 605-987-2263
• Patriotic Bike Parade, Saturday, July 6, 2 p.m. CDT, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Bruce. Info: 605-627-5441
• Patriotic Bike Parade, Saturday, July 6, 2 p.m. CDT, Lake Thompson Recreation Area near Lake Preston. Info: 605-847-4893
• Independence Day Bike Parade, Saturday, July 6, 4 p.m. CDT, Newton Hills State Park near Canton. Info: 605-987-2263
• GPS Cache Dash Tournament, Saturday, July 6, 7 p.m. CDT. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton. Info: 605-668-2985
• Firefly Hike, Saturday, July 6, 10 p.m. CDT. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton. Info: 605-668-2985

There is no cost to participate in any of the events, although park entrance licenses are required. Visitors are encouraged to dress according to the weather. All participants in the bike parades are encouraged to wear helmets and appropriate shoes.

For more information on activities in South Dakota state parks, visit www.gfp.sd.gov, contact the individual park office, or call 605-773-3391.

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