Jul. 1—CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. — Crews will again launch the Rock the Bluffs fireworks show from the causeway bridge between Chamberlain and Oacoma on July 4, continuing a multi-year setup designed for wide visibility and safe viewing on both sides of the Missouri River.
This year’s fundraising goal began at $15,000 — similar to totals from stronger donation years — but was later reduced to a minimum target of $12,500 due to slower contributions. As of Monday afternoon, the Chamberlain-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce had raised $11,625.
“The goal is always $12,500,” said Taryn Reidt, executive director of the Chamberlain-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce. “Some years we go over, but this year we’re just trying to hit that minimum.”
Major sponsors include the City of Chamberlain, the City of Oacoma and the Barger Foundation. Additional funds have come from sales of Rock the Bluffs glow-in-the-dark T-shirts sold by The Smoking Mule. The shirts are priced at $20, with 50% of each sale supporting the event.
Individuals and businesses can contribute at two sponsorship levels: Sparkler Sponsors ($250) and Rocket Sponsors ($500). Reidt said interest at both levels has remained consistent.
The fireworks are purchased from Premier Pyro, which also handles the launch. Setup begins around 1 or 2 p.m. and typically takes about eight hours. The Chamberlain Police Department assists by closing one lane of traffic on the bridge during setup. The show is scheduled to start at 10:20 p.m. and will run for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
“There are plenty of great locations to watch from,” Reidt said. “American Creek, Cedar Shore, or anywhere along the riverbank. Boats are also allowed, as long as they remain outside the designated safety zone.”
Public safety remains a key focus during the event. Conservation officers from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will enforce a 100-yard safety zone around the launch site and patrol the river throughout the holiday weekend.
GFP Communications Manager Nick Harrington said conservation officers are trained to perform on-water sobriety checks and make boating under the influence (BUI) arrests. Several staff members completed re-certification and refresher training earlier this year ahead of the summer season.
Operation Dry Water, a national boating safety campaign, will also be in effect July 4 — 6. The effort involves increased law enforcement presence and safety education, with coordination among local, state and federal agencies. The campaign aims to prevent boating incidents caused by alcohol or drug use.
“Boating under the influence continues to be a serious and preventable problem,” said Joe Keeton, law enforcement specialist with GFP. “Our goal is to create a safer environment for all recreational boaters, paddlers, and waterway users.”
Under South Dakota law, it is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. While passengers may consume alcohol, the operator must remain sober. Officers will conduct inspections and check for registration, working lights, proper life jacket counts and other safety measures.
Harrington said navigating the river after the fireworks show poses added risks due to low light and lingering smoke.
“It’s near impossible to see a boat without lights,” he said. “We recommend checking lights before heading out, even if you launch during daylight.”
New boating laws take effect July 1. Senate Bill 8 introduces felony charges for reckless boating that causes serious injury or death. The legislation was passed in response to the 2023 fatal boating incident on Lake Madison involving 13-year-old Emily Gorman. Under the new law, watercraft homicide is classified as a Class 4 felony, and watercraft battery as a Class 3 felony—bringing penalties in line with similar offenses involving motor vehicles. The law also addresses failure to remain at the scene of a boating accident.
“These changes now treat boating under the influence similarly to DUI offenses on the road,” Harrington said. “It allows us to take appropriate enforcement actions in situations that previously had legal gaps.”
GFP expects an increased enforcement presence during the holiday. Last year’s Operation Dry Water involved 58 officers across 33 South Dakota waterways. Officers checked 762 vessels, interacted with more than 3,000 boaters, issued 44 citations, gave 86 warnings and made eight BUI arrests.
Officials will also monitor ramp congestion after the show. Boat traffic is usually spread out during the display but can back up quickly when boaters return to marinas.
Chamberlain resident Susan Boerner, who has watched past shows from her boat, said the river doesn’t feel crowded during the fireworks but becomes busier immediately afterward.
“The only bad part is there’s always a mad dash after it ends,” Boerner said. “It’s best to plan to wait it out.”
Staff at Cedar Shore Resort noted similar patterns, advising boaters to prepare for delays at ramps.
GFP reminds boaters to bring enough life jackets for all passengers, avoid alcohol while operating a vessel and use caution while loading and unloading. Fatigue, sun exposure, and water motion can increase impairment risks.
Volunteer firefighters, local police and conservation officers will be stationed near the launch site in case of fire or other emergencies. Reidt said the event has run safely over the years, with only one incident she could recall when a group of curious onlookers once got too close to the firework mortars.
“The Brule County Sheriff’s Department acted quickly on that one,” Reidt said.
Reidt said the event will proceed as scheduled regardless of whether the full fundraising goal is reached, but additional contributions are welcome.
“We’re close to the goal,” she said. “Every bit helps.”